30 Month 2011 -- The BioIndustry Association (BIA) and the Ethical Medicines Industry Group (EMIG) are to co-host a conference on 24 May in central London which will explore in detail the Government’s current health reform programme. “The Future of UK Healthcare – how to achieve success in the new reality” conference is the first collaborative event between the two trade associations and it is hoped further such ventures will follow in the future.
In light of the coalition government’s ambitious programme of reform in the NHS, the conference will explore the significant impact of these changes for the UK life sciences industry, particularly in research and development (R&D), and access and uptake of new medicines. Value-based pricing will apply to all new product launches from 2014 and represents the biggest upheaval to drug pricing in the UK for 50 years. Apart from improving patient outcomes and ensuring value for money, a central aim of value-based pricing is to stimulate innovation and the development of high value treatment. The impact of such a policy could have a significant effect on company R&D pipelines and the way future R&D is carried out in the UK.
Nigel Gaymond, Chief Executive of the BIA, welcomed the collaboration saying:
“The health reforms will have a significant impact on both the BIA’s and EMIG’s membership. This joint event will explore the key developments in the health environment, such as the new commissioning pathways, the changing role of NICE and its possible role in value-based pricing, and the delivery of the Quality and Productivity agenda to implement greater quality and efficiency against a backdrop of savings.
“This event is intended to foster new business development opportunities by bringing bioscience and pharma companies together for senior level networking. It further reflects the BIA’s commitment to work in partnership with other organisations to foster a spirit of greater collaboration across the life sciences sector.”
Leslie Galloway, Chairman of EMIG, went on to say:
“EMIG and BIA have worked closely to design an event that will enable the members of both organisations and those from the health and pharmaceutical sector to develop a sharper focus on the outcomes of the major changes in our healthcare system. The changes to the health system will take place over the next few years, but will have an impact that is likely to last for generations.
“We have attracted an excellent line up of speakers, including Health Minister Earl Howe, Chris Brinsmead, Life Sciences Business Adviser, and Sir Andrew Dillon, Chief Executive of NICE. The conference will be an excellent opportunity to learn more about the impact of the proposed reforms for the life sciences industry and to network with others in the sector.”
For further information, please contact
BIA: Robert Winder, Communications Manager, rwinder@bioindustry.org; 020 7565 7193; mobile 07825 942 934. EMIG: Lisa Timothy, lisa.timothy@lexcomm.co.uk; 020 7025 2341
BIA and EMIG: The future of UK Healthcare conference
The conference will take place on Tuesday 24 May 2011, 09.30 - 19.00, at the Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AG. For further details and to attend the event please see: http://www.bioindustry.org/cgi-bin/events.pl?CD=4448.
Confirmed speakers include: Earl Howe, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department of Health who will be giving the keynote address, Chris Brinsmead, Life Sciences Business Advisor, and Sir Andrew Dillon, Chief Executive of NICE.
For further information about the conference and to discuss sponsorship opportunities please contact Jocelyn Rudnick, jrudnick@bioindustry.org; 020 7565 7167.
BioIndustry Association
Established in 1989, the BioIndustry Association (BIA) exists to encourage and promote a financially sound and thriving bioscience sector within the UK economy and concentrates its efforts on emerging enterprise and the related interests of companies with whom such enterprise trades.
With over 250 members, the BIA supports a wide range of sectors, majoring on the human health benefits of the technology and represents the interests of these innovative companies to a broad section of stakeholders from patient groups to politicians, advancing its members interests both within the UK and internationally to create a healthy UK bioscience sector which benefits society. For further information, please go to: www.bioindustry.org
Ethical Medicines Industry Group
The Ethical Medicines Industry Group (EMIG) is the biopharmaceutical trade association that represents the interests of over 135 small to medium-sized companies (SMEs) based in the UK. EMIG member companies range from start-ups, whose prime focus is research and development (R&D), to highly developed businesses delivering essential products to patients, while continuing to invest heavily in the fight against disease.
