However grave, yesterday’s news does not change the fundamentals of the UK as a location for R&D, Pfizer has made clear that this decision was part of a global programme of changes to R&D and not a reflection on the UK environment. The UK is home to four of the top 10 universities in the world and 19 of the top 100, one of the world’s three major financial centres, a stable of quality service providers, world class research charities and a rich heritage of globally recognised medical research.
Nigel Gaymond, Chief Executive of the BIA, said:
“The UK remains the second home next to the US for the pharmaceutical and biotech industry and indeed Pfizer’s commitment to their Cambridge, UK site – where they have announced there will be a new Pain and Sensory Disorders Unit – as their global hub in Europe demonstrates this.
“The BIA is committed to working with government to ensure the best possible environment for small bioscience companies to flourish. Recent initiatives such as the commitment to technology and innovation centres, the patent box and the Office for Life Sciences, will further strengthen the UK’s position as a primary location for high-tech manufacturing and innovative research and development.
“Key to the government’s support of the sector going forward will be further detail on its growth strategy, which has highlighted life sciences as one of the UK’s engines for growth. More immediately critical for those Pfizer employees affected by the proposed exit are the discussions, which Government has committed to, exploring options for continuing research and development activities at the Sandwich facility. Government must now do all in its power to retain these talented and skilled individuals in the UK. The BIA is ready to play its part, particularly in facilitating interactions with smaller companies.”
For further information, please contact Robert Winder, Communications Manager, 020 7565 7193; mobile 07825 942 934.
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
The BIA events programme provides numerous opportunities for topical debate about emerging trends and key issues - plus excellent networking opportunities all year-round.
