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Overview
Biotechnology is the application of knowledge
about living organisms, and their components, to industrial products
and processes. The UK has companies actively developing and exploiting
biotechnology across the whole breadth of its application: from pharmaceuticals
and diagnostics, through speciality chemicals, food and agriculture,
to the environment. The UK leads in Europe in the industrial exploitation
of biotechnology.
The UK is one of the best places in the
world for bioscience. The UK boasts an excellent science base,
with favourable economic and political conditions, and a clear and fair
regulatory regime.
What's New
Guide to best practice in technology transfer
A
comprehensive guide to best practice in technology transfer in bioscience/biotechnology
in England and Wales, summarising the findings of representatives from
many UK universities and other research institutions, NHS organisations
and others involved in the exploitation of publicly funded bioscience
research at the 2004 Inter-BEP Conference. Launched in 1999 following
a successful pilot phase, the DTI's Biotechnology Exploitation Platform
(BEP) Challenge encouraged universities and other publicly funded research
organisations with access to complementary bioscience research to work
together to improve the identification and commercialisation of biotechnology
innovations arising from the UK's world-class science base. Click here
for more information about BEPs.
Click here
to download a PDF version of the Guide. Hard copies should be available
shortly.
LINK Analytical Biotechnology programme final dissemination event, The
Royal Society, London, 13 October 2005
BBSRC
is hosting a final dissemination event for projects funded through the
DTI/BBSRC LINK Analytical Biotechnology programme at The Royal Society,
Carlton House Terrace, London on Thursday 13 October 2005. This is an
excellent opportunity to hear about developments arising from these
projects and to network with industrialists and academics with an interest
and expertise in biotechnology research and exploitation.
The
event is open to all interested parties, both industrial and academic,
but companies, potential partners and investors are especially welcome.
Places will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
Click
here
for more information and be sure to register your interest by 30 September
2005
DTI
publishes independent analysis of 6 key sub-sectors of the medical devices
industry
DTI have now published an independent
sector competitiveness analysis of 6 key sub-sectors of the medical
device industry.
The report, by Arthur D Little, sets
out to explain differences between UK sources of supply of medical devices
and other sources and to explore the factors creating business success,
including UK strengths or weaknesses in relation to those factors.
The sub-sectors covered in the report
are:
- Medical imaging/ultrasound equipment
and materials
- Diagnostic equipment and materials
- Radiotherapy equipment
- Electromedical and respiratory devices
- Active and passive implantables
- Advance wound amangement
Click here for the
analysis
UK Biotechnology
sector leads Europe - new statistical report published
The report, Comparative Statistics
for the UK, European and US Biotechnology Sectors - Analysis Year 2003,
prepared by independent consultants, found a general fall across Europe
in biotech business activity due to widespread waves of restructuring.
The UK, along with many other countries, suffered falls in biotech employment.
Some R&D employment was cut as firms merged and focused on best
revenue prospects for long-term survival. The consultants conclude,
however, that growth in the UK is more sustainable in future than elsewhere
in Europe and that the UK remains the most attractive for large investment.
The report provides the DTI with a robust and defensible
analysis of the UK biotechnology sector’s comparative standing against
some of its key European competitors and the United States. It analyses
company performances in the calendar year 2003 and, on a country-by-country
basis, compares that performance with metrics for 2002 (and 2001 where
appropriate).
The study shows that at the end of 2003 Europe’s
biotechnology industry employed approximately 82,400 people and generated
€16.3 billion of revenue. Europe’s biotechnology sector had over 420
new drugs in clinical development or awaiting approval. European companies
raised €1.3 billion of equity investment in 2003.
As in previous years, the UK was the single biggest
contributor to this picture. In
2003 the UK sector’s 455 companies employed approximately 22,400 people
and generated revenue of £3.6 billion. UK companies had 224 new
drugs in clinical development or awaiting approval - half of the European
total. UK companies raised £392 million of equity investment.
The UK biotechnology sector continues the restructuring
process that started in 2002. The
report indicates that the UK, post-restructuring, has the most robust
biotechnology sector in Europe and remains the most likely national
sector to attract the large equity investments necessary for growth.
The report was published at a DTI led Science and
Innovation Conference in Manchester that bought together key figures
in business and academia in the North West to discuss the importance
of driving forward innovation.
Click here
for the press release
The full report can be downloaded here -
Comparative Statistics for the UK, European
and US Biotechnology Sectors - Analysis Year 2003
Pre-emption
Rights: Final Report published
A study by Paul Myners into the impact of shareholders' pre-emption
rights on a public company's ability to raise new capital was published
by DTI on 10 February 2005. The report, press notice and responses to
the invitation to comment can be found at: http://www.dti.gov.uk/cld/public.htm
The
Bioscience Futures Forum
The Bioscience Innovation and Growth Team
(BIGT) report, released in November 2003 details the current state of
the UK bioscience sector (concentrating on healthcare applications) and
sets out a wide-ranging vision for the future and includes many innovative
recommendations with which to challenge Government and industry. One of its conclusions was that a
more proactive stance is needed within Europe to shape future regulations
and ensure they are acceptable to the UK.
It recommended the creation of a Bioscience Risk Assessment Forum
now called the Bioscience Futures Forum (BFF), under the auspices
of the Bioscience Leadership Council (BLC). The
BFF will monitor and assess emerging issues, develop issue management
strategies, and anticipate areas where regulation may be needed.
The expert group will horizon-scan across bioscience advances and
consider the ethical, social and regulatory questions, which they raise. The group will adopt a proactive approach to
bioscience regulation and reputation management, and aim to shape the
UK and EU environments of the future. Dr Gill Samuels CBE, Executive Director
of Science Policy & Scientific Affairs, Europe at Pfizer chairs the
expert group of 11 members, bringing together people with a variety of
backgrounds and experience, providing a vision and a framework for taking
both short and long-term views. The first meeting was held in February
2005.
Further details in the background note below
Bioscience
Futures Forum background note
For further information and to keep up to date with the Bioscience Futures
forum, please go to www.bioindustry.org/bff.
Patent
Study Workshop - report published
Following the publication of the study into the impact of current UK
law and practice regarding patents for genetic sequences, a workshop
was held to further discuss two areas: research exemption and public
perception. The workshop in
September 2004 was officially opened by Lord Sainsbury and a report
of it, by the DTI Bioscience Unit, is now available.
Patent Study Workshop
Report
Measurements
for Biotechnology (MfB) programme - new report published
The Measurements for Biotechnology
(MfB) programme, launched in 2001 to tackle the measurement challenges
of the biosciences, forms part of the National Measurement System (NMS)
which is funded by DTI. It aims
to:
- Assist in translation of biotechnology
from the science base into industry
- Develop generic reference methods
and measurement standards for UK industry
- Maintain the UK lead in developing
an international framework for bioscience measurement
- Help to base regulation more securely
in measurement science
The MfB hub (BIA, LGC Ltd and NPL) consulted
widely with the bioscience community to define the objectives and broad
content of the new programme in biomeasurement focussing on Cell-based
measurement, Gene measurement, Product characterisation and Protein measurement. Overviews
of progress in the first few years of Measurements for Biotechnology have
now been published in the “Better Measurement for Biotechnology” report.
You will find articles on the need for better biomeasurement and some
of the first steps taken along the road for DNA, protein and cell-based
measurement, measurement for biological interactions and measurement for
product quality. The report identifies and features measurement as an
additional element of the infrastructure supporting the bioscience sector
in the drive towards improved national health and increased national wealth.
Below is a link to the report.
Better Measurement for Biotechnology
report To receive a hard
copy of the report, please contact Dr
Samia Saad at the BIA or Dr
Roy Dietz at the LGC. For further information on the MfB programme,
please visit: www.mfbprog.org.uk/index/index.asp
Prospects
for Marine Biotechnology in the UK
A Study into the Prospects for Marine Biotechnology Development in the
UK" by BioBridge Ltd, commissioned by the Foresight Marine Panel
(FMP) Marine Biotechnology Group, was published on 5 January 2005. The
report was co-funded by DTI and the South West Regional Development
Agency. It identifies huge potential for the innovative exploitation
of novel marine molecules and materials across a wide range of industrial
sectors including healthcare, food, environment, pharmaceutical and
cosmetics. It recommends five areas of activity: maintaining and
developing the activities of UK's world-class science base, sustaining
networks, commercialisation and funding, enhancing public understanding
of marine biotechnology and stimulating training.
Below is a link to an executive
summary and full report (in 2 volumes) and associated press
notice. Further details of the Foresight Marine Panel are available
at www.marineuk.com
A 2015 Vision
for industrial Biotechnology - Industrial Biotechnology Task Force (IBTF)
Report, draft published for comments
An Industrial Biotechnology
Task Force (IBTF) was set up in January 2004 to help build and develop
consensus on the best opportunities for growth of industrial biotechnology.
The draft IBTF report was published on 2nd December
2004 at “UK Biotechnology: A Showcase of UK Capability”.
The IBTF report has recognised that the size of the market potential
of industrial biotechnology is unclear and even UK capacity to lead
its exploitation is only partially understood.
Nonetheless, IBTF believes that the potential opportunities are
such that it merits targeted actions.
In the short-term at least, efforts should focus on maintaining
momentum in building the UK’s particular strengths. Bio-based materials/products,
together with biocatalysts and other applications of enzymes, appear
to offer the most promising short to medium term opportunities.
The UK already has effective co-ordinating networks in these
areas, but there is an immediate need for further R&D and technology
validation projects to build operational experience and overcome scepticism.
The report includes a set of recommendations for action to achieve the
2015 vision. The IBTF report recognises that many activities and actions
lie outside the remit of Government.
Success depends on all stakeholders investing the necessary resources
and working in partnership. The draft report is now closed for
further comments.
The full IBTF report can be found at www.dti.gov.uk/biowise.
Healthcare
Industries Task Force (HITF) report published The Department of Health, on behalf of the Government and in conjunction
with the healthcare industries, is launching the Healthcare Industries
Task Force (HITF) report on Wednesday 17 November 2004 at Imperial College,
London. This joint strategic initiative is the first of its kind between
Government and this sector of industry. Co-Chaired by the Health Minister
Lord Warner, and Sir Christopher O’Donnell, Chief Executive of Smith
& Nephew, the Task Force has delivered a programme of action to
benefit patients and the NHS and stimulate science and industry in the
UK to improve growth in manufacturing, investment, employment and exports.
The report is available on the HITF website from 01.30 pm Wednesday
17 November: www.advisorybodies.doh.gov.uk/hitf.
Government Strategy for non-food crops published
A Government Strategy for non-food crops was launched by Lord Whitty
(Minister for Farming, Food and Sustainable Energy) on 5 November 2004
at the first annual conference of the National Non-Food Crops Centre.
The strategy, drawn up by Defra and DTI in consultation with key
stakeholders is aimed at increasing commercial opportunities, stimulating
innovation, cutting waste and environmental damage, and protecting precious
natural resources.
Below is a link to the strategy - which includes an action plan - and
associated press notice:
A strategy
for non-food crops and uses: Creating value from renewable materials
Press
Notice
Bioscience Beacons – new booklet published
A new booklet has been published on the
six Bioscience Beacon projects launched in November 2002 with £8M DTI
funding. The Bioscience Beacons are a new type of DTI-funded applied
research project. They are interdisciplinary, high-risk projects
with strong industrial relevance, each with over £1M of DTI funding. Averaging
3-5 years, the projects combine world-class research in bioinformatics,
bioimaging and bionanotechnology with real potential to deliver wide-ranging
benefits to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The
six projects are regularly assessed to maximise their relevance to industry.
The booklet provides more information on the Beacon projects. It can be
downloaded here.
The Beacons website also
contains information and links to each of the projects.
Patent Study on Genetic Sequences – report published
In response to the House of Lords Select Committee report on Genetic
Databases, the Government made a commitment to carry out an investigation
into the impact of current UK law and practice regarding patents for
genetic sequences. The Intellectual Property Institute (IPI) on behalf
of the DTI has now completed a study of the law and practice.
The main findings of the study show that current UK law and practice
regarding patents for genetic sequences is generally meeting the needs
of those currently active in this research area. The study indicates
that this is true for both public and private sectors.
Below is a link to the full report and to the House of Lord Statement.
Full report:
House of Lords Statement:
UK Biotechnology statistics - 2001/2002 report
published
This report provides a robust
and defensible analysis of the UK biotechnology sector’s comparative
standing against some of its key European competitors and the United
States. It analyses company performances in the calendar year 2002 and,
on a country-by-country basis, compares that performance with metrics
for 2001.
The study shows that the UK was the single biggest
contributor to the picture in Europe.
In 2002 the UK sector’s 486 companies employed approximately
26,000 people and generated revenue of over €6.4 billion. UK companies
accounted for 40% of products in the product development pipeline by
European public companies, and 41% of biotechnology drugs in late stage
clinical trials (Phase III) in Europe are from the UK. Market capitalisation
of the UK’s 47 publicly quoted companies was €9.7 billion.
The full
report can be downloaded here -
Comparative Statistics for the UK, European and US Biotechnology Sectors
- Analysis Years 2001 & 2002
 Government
Sponsorship of the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals Sector
Biotechnology
The
Department of Trade and Industry’s objective is to increase competitiveness
and scientific excellence in order to generate higher levels of sustainable
growth and productivity in a modern economy.
The Bioscience Unit takes the
lead role within the UK Government in championing the commercial exploitation
of biotechnology by UK industry, working to ensure that government,
European and international measures affecting UK biotechnology take
full account of the implications for competitiveness. The Unit focuses
on four key areas: research and development policy, and technology transfer;
the regulatory environment and intellectual property rights; the financing
and development of small firms; and competitiveness issues of the key
biotechnology subsectors. The Unit’s Ibio website provides
a range of information for the biotechnology sector.
For
further information from the Bioscience Unit, please contact:
Bioscience
Unit
Department of Trade and Industry
151 Buckingham Palace Road
London SW1W 9SS
Tel: 020 7215 5000
Fax: 020 7215 1379
For information and advice on Biotechnology
related programmes and research from the Office of Science and Technology,
please contact the following:
Biotechnology
and Biological Sciences Research Councils (BBSRC)
Tel: 01793 413200
Fax: 01793 413201
Medical
Research Council (MRC)
Tel:
020 7636 5422
Fax: 020 7436 6179
Biosciences/Medical
and Chemicals/Materials LINK Programme
Office of Science and Technology
link.ost@gtnet.gov.uk
Helpline:
020 7215 0053 (Answerphone)
Fax: 020 7215 0054
Cross-Departmental
Science Issues in Biotechnology and Health
Cliff
Salole
Tel: 020 7215 6466
e-mail:
cliff.salole@dti.gsi.gov.uk For
information and advice on Biotechnology related programmes and research
from the Department of Health, please contact the following:
Human
Genetics
Tel: 020 7972 4017
Fax: 020 7972 4196
Human
Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
Tel: 020 7377 5077
Fax: 020 7377 1871
e-mail:
admin@hfea.gov.uk
Vaccines
Tel: 020 7972 4488
Fax: 020 7972 4468
Xenotransplantation
including
UK Xenotransplantation Interim
Regulatory Authority
Tel: 020 7972 4822
Fax: 020 7972 4852 Novel
Foods including
Advisory Committee on Novel
Foods and Processes Joint Food Standards and Safety Group
Tel: 020 7238 6380 / 020 7238 6381
Fax: 020 7238 6382
Research
and Development Division
Tel: 020 7972 5612
Fax: 020 7972 5665
Medical
Devices Agency
Tel: 020 7972 8123
Fax: 020 7972 8111
Medicines
Control Agency
Tel: 020 7273 0465
Fax: 020 7273 0062 Pharmaceuticals
The Department of Health (DoH)
is the sponsoring department for the pharmaceuticals industry. The DoH
undertakes to: provide a point of contact which can be used to exchange
information with industry, for consultation and negotiation; represent
critically industries' view on both general and specific economic trade
or other related issues such as research and education in the UK, European
or international dimensions; and help to get any necessary regulation
right and ensure that there is a proper balance between industry needs
and public protection and health interests. The DoH works closely with
the DTI and relevant trade associations.
For further information and advice please
contact:
Pharmaceuticals
Department of Health
Tel: 020 7210 5356
Under an
Act of Parliament in 2000, three
bodies were set up to look at different aspects biotechnology and how
it affects society and the environment. These bodies are:
Agriculture
and Environment Biotechnology Commission (AEBC)
The
Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission was set up with
a remit to provide the UK Government and Devolved Administrations with
independent, strategic advice on developments in biotechnology and their
implications for agriculture and the environment. It will look at the
broad picture taking ethical and social issues into account as well
as the science.
Tel:
020 7215 6508
Fax: 020 7215 0313
e-mail: aebc@dti.gsi.gov.uk
Human
Genetics Commission (HGC)
The
Human Genetics Commission advises
on how new developments in human genetics will impact on people and
health care.
Tel:
020 7972 1518
Fax: 020 7972 1717
E-mail: hgc@doh.gsi.gov.uk
Foods
Standards Agency
The
Food Standards Agency is an independent food safety watchdog set up
to protect the public's health and consumer interests in relation to
food.
Tel:
020 7276 8000
e-mail:
helpline@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
Schemes and Initiatives
Government
Schemes and Initiatives
Detailed
below are schemes and initiatives run by the Government in the Biotechnology
sector:
i-bio
Provides
an easy way to access a wide range of information on UK biotechnology.
Whatever you're looking for, this government-led site can provide you
with a rapid and comprehensive breakdown of relevant material and where
to find it.
UK
Biotechnology Regulatory Atlas
The
UK Biotechnology Regulatory Atlas is a rapid retrieval system, which
complements i-bio - it has been modelled on the regulatory architecture
of biotechnology, and, in addition to signposting laws and official
guidance, provides explanations and commentaries, which are regularly
updated.
BIO-WISE
Working in partnership with you, your business associations and the
UK's biotechnology industry to show how biotechnology can improve your
company's competitive position.
Biotechnology
Clusters
A team led by Lord Sainsbury, Minister for Science, reporting on biotechnology
clusters.
Biotechnology Mentoring and Incubator
Challenge
The overall aim of the BMI is to stimulate the creation and growth of
high quality biotechnology companies in the UK. The Challenge is supported
by a fund of up to £5 million and currently supports 8 projects around
Britain. (Closed to new projects)
Biotechnology Exploitation Platform
Challenge
(Closed to new projects)
The BEP web site has been
discontinued but many of the BEPs have their own web sites – see below.
The BEP Challenge encourages
universities and other publicly funded research institutions and intermediaries
to work together to better manage and exploit the results of the UK’s
world-class bioscience research.
The
Pilot and Full programmes are together worth over £16 million, with DTI
support in excess of £8 million. There are 22 BEP consortia (at different stages of development)
throughout the UK, involving 80 research organisations: 50 universities
and 30 NHS Trusts. Most BEPs cover
a broad range of bioscience technologies but there are several specialist
BEPs covering environmental science, cancer, plant and microbial science,
diagnostic technologies, bio-microsystems and bio-nanotechnologies, and
NHS technologies, systems and innovations (details below).
Key BEP outputs as at 30 June 2005
- More than 4,100 research groups audited,
1,900 technologies identified with commercial potential, more than 850 selected
for commercialisation
- 357 new patent applications filed,
47 granted so far
- 194 new commercial licenses signed,
with an estimated lifetime value of £34 million
- 106 new biotechnology start-up companies
established, securing private investment of £34.5 million, and creating
277 jobs
- 49 FTE technology transfer specialist
jobs created
- 5 inter-BEP conferences to promote
best practice, networking, and collaboration between BEPs and other
groups engaged in complementary activities
Guide
to best practice in technology transfer
A comprehensive guide to best practice in technology transfer in bioscience/biotechnology
in England and Wales, summarising the findings of representatives from
many UK universities and other research institutions, NHS organisations
and others involved in the exploitation of publicly funded bioscience
research at the 2004 Inter-BEP Conference.
Biotech Advantage – the BEP Newsletter
Eleven issues of Biotech Advantage were published between December 2000
and September 2004, covering a wide range of bioscience IP management
and exploitation topics and case studies. The newsletter has been discontinued
- reports and BEP news are now made available via this web page - but
you can download PDF versions of each issue using the links below. Please
note that hard copies are no longer available.
Newsletters
Newsletter 1
Newsletter 2
Newsletter 3
Newsletter 4
Newsletter 5
Newsletter 6
Newsletter 7
Newsletter 8
Newsletter 9
Newsletter 10
Newsletter 11
Further information
For further information about BEPs please contact one of the BEP Programme
Managers:
Dr Mike Barnes
Life Science Consultants
Tel: 01923 254275
E-mail: MBarnes466@aol.com
Dr Gordon Malan
Biotech-IS Ltd
Tel: 01642 570886
E-mail: PGMalan@biotech-is.co.uk
BEP contacts
Aber BioCentre BEP
(Biomedical, pharmaceutical, biological processes, agriculture, environment)
David Craddock
Tel: 01970 622385
E-mail: david.craddock@aber.ac.uk
Web site: www.aber.ac.uk/abc
Beacon Bio BEP
(Bioremediation, industrial processes, drug development and screening
systems, CNS-related research, fungal and microbial diversity)
Dr Helma Kaptein
Tel: 01273 873267 or 873000
E-mail: h.kaptein@sussex.ac.uk
Web site: www.sussexip.com
BioElf Ltd BEP
(Food and plant, environment, healthcare, medical devices)
Prof. Howard Slater
Tel: 01823 430052
E-mail: info@bioelf.org
Web site: www.bioelf.org
Bioscience Partnership BEP
(Healthcare)
Dr Kay Callaghan
Tel: 0191 222 7700
E-mail: kay.callaghan@ncl.ac.uk
Web site: www.biosciencepartnership.co.uk
Bio-THRuST BEP
(Nanotechnologies and microsystems in a range of bio-industry sectors)
Dr Robert Carr
Tel: 01980 611862
E-mail: biothrust@mma.org.uk
Web site: www.mma.org.uk/biothrust.htm
Cambridge Enterprise at Addenbrooke’s BEP
(Regional healthcare)
Dr Alastair Hick
Tel: 01223 333543
E-mail: alastair.hick@rsd.cam.ac.uk
Cancer Research Technology (CRT) BEP
Susan Harris
Tel: 020 7269 3640
E-mail: sharris@cancertechnology.co.uk
Web site: www.cancertechnology.co.uk
CENTECH BEP
(Medical devices, environmental sciences, pharmaceuticals, therapeutics,
diagnostics)
Dr Lyndon B Davies
Tel: 01223 262686
E-mail: lyndon@ldassoc.demon.co.uk
DiagnOx BEP
(Diagnostic technologies)
Lisa Mynheer
Tel: 01865 811127
E-mail: l.mynheer@oxin.co.uk
Web site: www.diagnox.co.uk
EmPath BEP
(Regional healthcare and biomedical)
Dr Clare O’Neill
Tel: 0116 252 3333
E-mail: cmo4@le.ac.uk
EnVision BEP
(Environmental biotechnology)
Peter Ainsworth
Tel: 020 7594 6563
E-mail: p.ainsworth@ic.ac.uk
Web site: www.eett.co.uk
Mercia Biotech BEP
(Regional healthcare and biomedical)
Dr Ederyn Williams
Tel: 0247 632 3315
or
Dr Shum Prakash
Tel: 0247 632 3324
E-mail: ventures@warwick.ac.uk or s.prakash@warwick.ac.uk
STEP 2000 BEP
(Biomedical, diagnostics, gene therapy, medical devices, pharmaceuticals)
Dr Sharron Bennett
Tel: 020 7848 3325
E-mail: sharron.bennett@kcl.ac.uk
Web site: www.step2000bio.co.uk
TrusTECH BEP (incorporating manIP BEP)
(Biological instrumentation and healthcare, biomaterials, diagnostics,
gene tissue, medical devices, pharmaceuticals)
Dr Richard Deed
Tel: 0161 276 5763
E-mail: RichardDeed@trustech.org.uk
Web site: www.trustech.org.uk
UK MicroBEP & UK Plant Science BEP
(Microbial and plant biotechnology)
Dr Jan Chojecki
Tel: 01603 456500
E-mail: ajsc@pbltechnology.com
Web site: www.pbltechnology.com
Ventures for Health
(Regional healthcare)
Dr Mark Fisher
Tel: 020 7351 8739
E-mail: m.fisher@rbh.nthames.nhs.uk
WessexBio BEP
(Regional healthcare and biomedical)
Dr Elizabeth Fletcher
Tel: 02380 593 095
E-mail: e.j.fletcher@soton.ac.uk
Web site: www.wessexbio.com
Western Arc BEP
(Biomedical, pharmaceutical, biological processes, environment)
Dr Wendy Ross
Tel: 029 2087 4673
E-mail: rossw@cardiff.ac.uk
Web site: www.western-arc.org
White Rose BEP
(Healthcare, environment, plant science)
Simon Donoghue
Tel: 01904 435353
E-mail: cw21@york.ac.uk
Web site: www.whiterose.ac.uk
Yorkshire BioEnterprise
BEP
(Diagnostic and analytical technologies, biomedical, biomaterials processing,
food and agriculture, environment)
Dr David Parkinson
Tel: 0114 225 3052
E-mail: D.Parkinson@shu.ac.uk
Genome
Valley
The economic potential and strategic importance of biotechnology in
the UK.
LINK
Scheme
The
LINK scheme is the Government's principal mechanism for promoting partnership
in pre-competitive research between industry and the research base.
It aims to stimulate innovation, wealth creation and improve the quality
of life. The scheme offers an opportunity to engage with some of the
best and most creative minds in the country, to tackle new scientific
and technological challenges so that industry can go on to develop innovative
and commercially successful products, processes and services.
LINK covers a wide
range of technology and product areas from food and bio-sciences, through
engineering to electronics and communications. Current biotech programmes
are:
Sustainable
Technologies Initiative LINK Programme -
The overall aim of the programme is to support the development of new,
more sustainable technologies to help UK business meet the sustainability
challenge.
Health
Technology Devices Programme - This
programme aims to stimulate and promote collaborative research aimed
at the development of advanced technologies with potential, ultimately,
to lead on to the development of new medical devices and healthcare
technologies that are capable of exploitation by the healthcare industries
yielding improved benefit to patients and a more robust UK medical devices
sector.
Bioremediation
– The main aim of this programme is
to help provide UK industry with the multidiscipliary capability necessary
to enable the commercial application of bioscience for the clean-up
of contaminated land, air and water.
Applied
Genomics - The main goal of this new LINK programme is
to support the development of platform technologies that will enable
UK healthcare companies to harness and exploit the output of genome
sequencing projects and developments in genomics.
Genetic
and Environmental Interactions in Health - This LINK
programme aims to develop collaborations between academia and industry
in genetics, molecular/genetic epidemiology, pharmacogenetics and complementary
disciplines and technologies.
Research
Councils UK
Research
Councils UK (RCUK) is a strategic partnership set up to champion science,
engineering and technology supported by the seven UK Research Councils.
Through RCUK, the Research Councils are working
together to create a common framework for research, training
and knowledge transfer. In doing this RCUK will work alongside OST to
further support for the UK’s best academic researchers and deliver the
best investment for society.
Biotechnology
and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
The Biotechnology and Biological
Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is the leading funding agency for
academic research and training in the biosciences at universities and
institutes throughout the UK.
Engineering
& Physical Sciences Research Council (ESRC)
The
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is the UK
Government’s leading funding agency for research and training in engineering
and the physical sciences.
They invest more than £400 million a year in world-class research that
forms the basis for future economic development in the UK and leads
to improvements in everyone’s health, personal well-being and lifestyle.
EPSRC also actively promotes public awareness of science and engineering.
Medical
Research Council (MRC)
The
UK Medical Research Council (MRC) promotes research into all areas of
medical and related science with the aims of improving the health and
quality of life of the UK public and contributing to the wealth of the
nation.
Natural
Environment Council (NERC)
The
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) provides independent research
and training in the environmental sciences. Their mission is to gather
and apply knowledge, improve understanding and predict the behaviour
of the natural environment and its resources.
REGIONAL
INTIATIVES
Detailed
below are regional schemes and initiatives in the Biotechnology sector:
Bioscience
Yorkshire
Tel: 01904 435 104
Fax: 01904 435 135
Bioscience
Yorkshire is the fast growing bioscience cluster being developed by
Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency for Yorkshire &
Humber, in conjunction with its partners across the region. The bioscience
community here employs over 10,000 people, and this is predicted to
grow by over 10% in the next five years. A significant proportion of
this growth is predicted to be associated with small, entrepreneurial
drug discovery & development companies and CROs (contract research
organisations).
Significant
strengths of the bioscience cluster include Plant Biotech; Tissue Engineering;
Genomics; Contract Research; Bio-remediation; Bioinformatics and; Drug
Discovery
For
further information on our cluster strategy and how it may benefit your
company, as well as links to centres of excellence and all of our
sub-regional partners,including companies, please visit www.bioscience-yorkshire.com
Eastern
Region Biotechnology Initiative (ERBI)
Tel: 01223 421 977
Fax: 01223 421 978
ERBI
has been established to promote links between companies of all sizes
involved in biotechnology in the East of England and to strengthen their
links with the first class science base in the region. It will also
build up the capabilities of new and embryonic firms.
New and emerging bioscience start-ups, suppliers and contractors are
the intended target groups for the initiative, but the aim is also to
involve and engage larger established firms as well as key service providers
in financial, legal and management areas.
Oxfordshire
BioScience Network
Tel: 01865 483 449
Fax: 01865 484 478
The
Oxfordshire Bioscience Network is a unique public-private partnership,
managed by Oxford Brookes University, promoting biotechnology business
and research enterprise across Oxfordshire.
The
Network provides a range of services to facilitate networking and communication,
providing a gateway service that partners industry, academia, and research
service providers to ensure continued sector growth and sustainability.
Southern
Bioscience (website: www.southern-bioscience.org.uk)
Tel: 01483 713 342
Fax: 01483 771 507
Southern
Bioscience is a networking group for the Biotech sector based in the
South of England. It represents a broad range of organisations within
the Biotechnology sector whose focus is on high technology, science
based products in the areas of pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, instrumentation,
environmental, agriculture and food biotechnology.
Bionow
Tel:
01925 400 100
Fax:
01925 400 400
Bionow
has been established to encourage and nurture this growth through creating
an active, progressive community based on the region's academic success
and strong presence of international pharmaceutical and biotech companies
and supporting service companies.
London
Biotechnology Network
Tel:020
7665 1405
Fax:
020 7665 1501
The
London Biotechnology Network is a regional support organisation, supported
by London's science and business community through London
First It was formed in response to the need for a co-ordinated
approach to bioscience development in London.
It
is the largest regional biotechnology organisation in the UK with some
550-member organisations. London's biotechnology sector is largely derived
from the enormous amount of research activity centred around the large
concentration of medical schools, teaching hospitals and medical research
organisations. London is indisputably the financial capital of Europe
and access to funding is a major attraction for biotechnology companies.
Manchester
Innovation Ltd (MIL)
Tel:
0161 606 7200
Fax:
0161 606 7300
e-mail
: jan.hilton@maninv.com
MIL
has offices in and manages its own purpose-built biotechnology incubator
building. Located in the
heart of the growing biomedical corridor, the Manchester Incubator Building
is viewed as a major component of the growing biotechnology cluster
in the North West. The
Manchester Incubator Building, with 16 turnkey laboratories and full
supporting infrastructure, is ideal for University spin-outs, external
start-ups, and satellite units from pharmaceutical and healthcare companies.
Specialist
staff in MIL have relevant commercial experience in marketing, licensing,
patenting and finance.
MIL
also manages the Genetics Innovation Network (GIN): a HEIF funded project,
and the 3Bs Project (Building Biotech Businesses) :
a BMI Challenge project.
MIL
is wholly owned by the University of Manchester and aims to commercialise
the outputs of research from all departments of The University.
Specific Export Help for the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals Sector
UK
Trade & Investment UK
UK Trade & Investment is the Government Organisation that brings together
the work of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department
of Trade & Industry (DTI) in support of British trade and investment
overseas.
Sector
specific export help for Biotechnology
and Pharmaceutical industries can be found on the Trade Partners
UK website. Other Sector Contacts
Listed below is a selection of organisations
that can offer assistance to companies in this sector.
A more extensive list of Trade Associations in this sector can be found
at the Trade Association
Forum web site.
Association
of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI)
Tel: 020 7930 3477
Fax: 020 7747 1416
BioIndustry
Association (BIA)
Tel: 020 7565 7190
Fax: 020 7565 7191
British In Vitro Diagnostics Association
(BIVDA)
Tel: 020 7957 4633
Fax: 0171 957 4644
E-mail: bivda@compuserve.com
Cranfield
Biotechnology Centre
Tel: 01234 754339
Fax: 01234 752401
The
National Pharmaceutical Association (NPA)
Tel: 01727 832161
Fax: 01727 840858
National
Prescribing Centre
Tel: 0151 794 8134
Fax: 0151 794 8139 / 8144
PharMed
Tel: 01527 592880
Fax: 01527 592881
Royal
Pharmaceutical Society
Tel: 020 7735 9141
Fax: 020 7735 7629
e-mail: enquiries@rpsgb.org.uk
General Business Support, Schemes and Initiatives
DTI Business
Support
This page lists many of the initiatives that the DTI and other parts
of Government currently operate. Included on this page are links with
various support schemes and initiatives.
DTI Information
Age
This page lists many of the initiatives that the DTI and other parts
of Government currently operate. Included on this page are links with
schemes and initiatives offering guidance and advice relating to new
technology and fast access to information.
DTI International
Trade and Investment
This page offers a comprehensive menu of links to sites offering support
to exporters (through UK Trade & Investment),
investors in the UK and importers into the UK.
Companies House
From this site, you can link to a wide range of Government sites and
Professional Bodies that can provide general guidance and support for
all UK companies.
The
Trade Association Forum
The Trade Association Forum helps associations to deliver best practice
to members.
Small Business Service
The Small Business Service operate a number of schemes and initiatives
that are designed to help small businesses in a variety of ways. Further
information found on their website.
Regulatory
Guidance
The
UK Biotechnology Regulatory
Atlas is
modelled
on the regulatory architecture of biotechnology, and, in addition to
signposting laws and official guidance, provides explanations and commentaries.
The
BioIndustry Association (BIA)
website, created by the Regulatory Affairs Advisory Group, provides
basic and general guidance for biotechnology companies who are members
of the BIA. DTI
Regulatory Guidance provides general guidance from the DTI and
also links to other relevant DTI web pages.
The Direct Access Government
website provides guidance issued by other Government Departments.
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