A new Medicines Manufacturing Industry Partnership (MMIP) has been jointly established by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) and the BioIndustry Association (BIA). This partnership will bring the biopharmaceutical industry together to work towards a common goal of creating an attractive and innovation-driven environment to ensure UK competitiveness in medicines manufacturing. Organisations involved in the partnership include Actavis, AstraZeneca, Eisai, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, GlaxoSmithKline, the Knowledge Transfer Network, Oxford BioMedica and Pfizer.
The MMIP Steering Group will be led by Ian McCubbin, GlaxoSmithKline Senior Vice President for the North America, Japan and Global Pharma Supply Chain. The initial work will be focused around industry needs across a number of priority areas including the technology, fiscal, regulatory and skills environments, as well as the promotion overseas of the UK's strengths in medicines manufacturing.
As an immediate first step, the MMIP is jointly resourcing a team with the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) to help the sector more effectively navigate and draw on public investments and funding mechanisms which are already in place to drive UK competitiveness in medicines manufacturing.
Commenting on the formal launch of the partnership, ABPI Chief Executive Stephen Whitehead, said:
"In light of the changing biopharmaceutical landscape, the ABPI is delighted to take a leading role in establishing this important initiative which will ensure that the UK has the capability to be a global leader in medicines manufacturing. It will draw on the resources and commitment of industry, government and other relevant stakeholders to create an ambitious joint work programme on manufacturing technology, innovation, skills and regulation. We welcome the government's ongoing support for the industry and I believe that the recent appointment of George Freeman MP as the new Life Sciences Minister will provide the impetus for further close collaboration with Government on the medicines manufacturing agenda".
Commenting, BIA Chief Executive Officer Steve Bates, said:
"The UK's research and development capabilities are world class and we are now seeking to put medicines manufacturing on a similar footing. The foundations are strong and we anticipate that this new industry partnership will build on these fundamentals.
"Of particular note is the MMIP's focus on existing funding mechanisms and ensuring that industry is utilising these to their full potential. The UK life sciences sector benefits from a supportive government and competitive fiscal environment, yet we believe more can be done to maximise these advantages, specifically in medicines manufacturing. Accordingly, the MMIP will look to clarify current fiscal incentives to ensure wider uptake from the sector. We believe through activities such as this, the MMIP will help to ensure the UK is established as a world-class destination for medicines manufacturing both by supporting existing facilities, and encouraging re-shoring."
Commenting, George Freeman MP Minister for Life Sciences, said:
"The manufacture of modern medicines is one of our leading manufacturing sectors, with exports worth over £22 billion. The Medicines Manufacturing Industry Partnership is helping ensure we remain at the forefront of this highly competitive sector, building on the impressive work they have already led in areas like detailed innovation mapping, and modern skills investment."
Ian McCubbin, leader of the MMIP Steering Group, said:
"The UK has a strong foundation in manufacturing and it is vital that this partnership works to differentiate, defend and grow the existing industry base, so that we continue to be a major export earner and create opportunities to cement the UK's position as a world leading centre for medicines manufacturing."