Action Plan to Capture Future Medicines Manufacturing Jobs

During the Annual bioprocess UK conference in Newcastle, (23 November 2016), the Advanced Therapies Manufacturing Taskforce (ATMT), published its new strategy outlining how the UK can become the global hub of advanced medicinal therapy manufacturing and ensure the long-term success of this industry in the UK.

‘Advanced Therapies Manufacturing Action Plan, retaining and attracting advanced therapies manufacture in the UK’, looks at the medicines manufacturing industry of the future which is expected to grow to be worth between $14-21bn globally per year by 2025.

The taskforce is co-chaired by Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation, Jo Johnson MP and Ian McCubbin, SVP North America, Japan & Global Pharma Supply, GlaxoSmithKline. There is an ongoing dialogue between the sector and the government on the pivotal role the life sciences sector has to play in the UK’s overarching Industrial Strategy.                              

Jo Johnson MP, said: “The report comes at an opportune time with development of the Government’s Industrial Strategy. This is a critical part of the Prime Minister’s ambition to build an economy that works for everyone.  The strategy will set out how we will boost productivity, create good jobs, and ensure sustainable economic growth. Life Sciences and within that, Advanced Therapies – hold great potential for the UK to develop new sources of economic competitiveness. The report provides a valuable input as we develop the Industrial Strategy.  I welcome continued commitment and engagement from your industry.”

Ian McCubbin, added: "The life sciences have always been strong in the UK and as the Government sets out its forthcoming Industrial Strategy, we recommend that it proactively targets future areas of growth – advanced therapies manufacturing being one of these areas. The UK needs to act with urgency and differentiate itself as a global destination for advanced therapies development and manufacturing and set the sustainable foundations for this emergent sector to take root and grow"