The 2023 ABPI annual conference focused on growing the Life Sciences 9 May 2023

The 2023 annual conference of the UK’s Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) at the end of April had a theme of Growing the UK as a Global Hub for Life Sciences. 

Marking the importance of the sector, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sent a video message in which he noted government plans to boost it through improving clinical trial processes, support manufacturing and helping the NHS embrace innovation. 

ABPI Chief Executive Richard Torbett took the opportunity in his opening speech to reinforce the message that growing the Sector would bring benefits to the whole country. 

In his speech, Health Secretary Steve Barclay stressed the need for collaboration and highlighted that in his view with recent announcements by the MHRA, there now existed a e more favourable regulatory environment. Jonathan Reynolds, Shadow Business Secretary, spoke about the strength of partnership with the industry and the need for stability and capacity for innovation across the country. 

Next, there were panel discussions on research and development for growth, improving health and productivity across the UK, as well as building the country’s global strengths. 

Speaking in the final panel, Roz Campion, Director at the Office for Life Sciences, said the Government had listened to the ABPI’s concerns on the new version of the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access (VPAS), due to come into effect from 1 January 2024. She added that the Lord O’Shaughnessy review into clinical trials would be published in May 2023.