The UK government has announced their new UK Life Sciences Vision which lays out decade-long plans to solve targeted major healthcare problems, such as cancer and dementia. The new Vision, which was published on Wednesday 7th July, builds on the rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic across the life science sector. It aims to combine government, industry, the NHS, academia and research charities to solve 7 critical healthcare “missions” by accelerating the development and implementation of new drugs, diagnostics, medical technology and digital tools. These missions will focus on preventing, diagnosing, monitoring and treating diseases earlier and will seek to enhance the efficiency of clinical trials.
The 7 missions focus on:
- Dementia treatment
- Early diagnosis and treatments
- Vaccine discovery, development and manufacturing.
- Treatment/prevention of cardiovascular disease and contributory risk factors
- Reducing mortality/morbidity from respiratory disease
- Biology of ageing
- Definition, understanding and management of impaired mental health
The Vision aims to recreate the successes of the UK Vaccines Taskforce by removing unnecessary administration and engaging with private sector expertise. It is intended that the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will be influential in supporting the timely availability of safe drugs and technologies.
To provide financial support for these missions, the UK government has launched its Life Sciences Investment Programme, which will invest £200 million into the life sciences industry via the British Patient Capital division of the British Business Bank. A further £800 million will be provided by an agreement with the UAE’s Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Investment Company which will also be delivered by British Patient Capital to support identified funds and sectors.
Steve Bates OBE, Chief Executive of the BioIndustry Association (of which Queen’s House Consulting is a member), has welcomed this initiative, saying:
“I am pleased that the Vision identifies 4 preconditions for success which must be met over the next decade, giving industry and government clear goals. Working together, we must simplify the governance and oversight of NHS health data, make the NHS an Innovation Partner, increase UK R&D spend and broaden UK access to finance to scale at pace to deliver this rightly ambitious vision.”
Queen’s House Consulting can offer support to this Vision, providing specialist services which enhance and augment the UK’s life sciences expertise from laboratory to licensing. Please contact us to discuss your particular needs.
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