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Biotechnology, Medical Devices and Diagnostics

Biotech Sector

The UK's biotechnology sector is the largest in Europe and second globally only to the US. The companies are supported by the UK's trade association, the BioIndustry Association (BIA). There are approximately 455 dedicated biotechnology businesses in the UK employing around 22,400, with revenues of around £3.6bn in 2003. UK biotech companies spent £1.23bn on R&D in 2003. The UK accounts for around half of public biotech companies in Europe

The UK is well placed in the European biotechnology scene because of its greater maturity and much stronger product pipeline. UK companies account for 40% of biotechnology products in the pipeline by European public companies. Also, 45% of new biotechnology drugs in late stage clinical trials (Phase III) in Europe are from the UK

The UK is home to several of the largest specialised biotechnology investment funds. In 2003, UK companies raised £392m of equity investment, more than any other European country.

Leading UK-based biotechnology companies include UCB Celltech, Cambridge Antibody Technology and Antisoma. Key biotechnology clusters are in the South and East of England (London, Oxford and Cambridge), the North West of England, (Manchester/Liverpool) and Central Scotland.

Medical Devices/Diagnostics sector

The UK medical devices industry is highly innovative, with hundreds of start-up companies and strong links with an exceptional engineering and science base.   

The industry employes around 55,000 people and spent £325m on R&D in 2004/5. UK researchers are playing a key role in technological advancement in biomarkers and DNA probes for vascular disease, cancer and infectious diseases, genetic testing and pharmacogenetic screening. 

Leading UK-based companies include GE Healthcare, Johnson & Johnson and Smith & Nephew.

The Bioscience Unit

The Bioscience Unit is part of BERR's Business Group and seeks to develop and maintain relations with companies and intermediaries.

In order to understand the factors impacting on companies in the UK, Relationship Managers develop and maintain contacts with key companies and trade associations in the sector, and knowledge specialists research, analyse and compile data for international benchmarking, comparisons of overseas Government policies and incentives, etc. A key part of this work is being taken forward through the Bioscience Leadership Council (BLC) in partnership with the Department of Health and the  BioIndustry Association.

We continue to monitor scientific developments and work closely with Office for Science and Innovation and the Research Councils to identify opportunities for the application and exploitation of science in novel products and services. We work closely with BERR's Technology Programme to ensure that it supports bioscience activity within the UK.

The Bioscience Unit also works to influence European and International regulations and policies, which impact on UK industry. We follow trends in other countries to ensure that the UK continues to adapt and remain competitive in increasingly global markets.