Today the Academy will host a workshop, in collaboration with the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), that brings together experts from universities, industry, health charities and research funders, to discuss the current and future drug discovery landscape in the UK.
Using a new report from the ABPI surveying the drug discovery sector as a starting point, attendees will discuss how to build future capabilities and deal with the challenges we face now.
Across the morning attendees will hear a wide range of perspectives and breakout sessions will allow for group discussions. The meeting is co-chaired by Professor Herbie Newell FMedSci, Professor of Cancer Therapeutics, Newcastle University and Dr Neil Weir, Senior Vice President of Discovery, UCB.
"The ABPI report provides further evidence of the importance of the biopharmaceutical industry to the health and wealth of the UK," said Professor Newell.
"In particular, following a number of company mergers, acquisitions and down-sizing in the sector, it shows that biotech, academia and contract research organisations have grown to ensure that the UK remains globally competitive."
"Today we are bringing together leading figures from research, industry, policy makers, health charities and research funders to digest these trends, and consider how to enhance drug discovery in the UK in future. This may include maintaining investment in technologies, facilities and training, and continuing to support academia, pharma, biotech and CROs working together – allowing the UK to continue to lead in providing patients and healthcare professionals with access to new medicines."
A report of the workshop has since been published by the Academy’s FORUM.
The Academy’s FORUM brings together senior leaders from across the life sciences sectors to accelerate progress through collaboration and innovation. Such a network, with its ability to convene individuals from universities, medical schools, biotech, pharma, regulators, healthcare providers, professional bodies, funders, and others is not replicated in any other organisation.
The success of the FORUM relies on supporter organisations who make an annual donation. To discuss how your organisation can join the network of supporters please contact forum@acmedsci.ac.uk.
FORUM: UK drug discovery landscape