BIA welcomes first awards made through the Biomedical Catalyst

The BioIndustry Association welcomed the announcement by the Medical Research Council and the Technology Strategy Board that the first awards have been made through the Biomedical Catalyst.

Steve Bates, BIA Chief Executive Officer, said:

"UK biotech companies will now be able to rapidly progress early stage projects thanks to the first Biomedical Catalyst feasibility awards. It is great to see this important source of government funding practically and speedily delivering for companies in our sector.

"These awards demonstrate the UK government's commitment to early stage life science companies. We look forward to further awards being announced later in the year. With luck some of the next generation of UK biotech companies will be born as a result of the Confidence in Concept awards also announced today."

Glyn Edwards CEO of Summit Corporation plc, a UK biotech company awarded one of the first feasibility grants in the Biomedical catalyst scheme said:

"We are delighted to have received this support. This type of funding is really important for life sciences companies especially for early stage programmes. The process was simple and quick which makes a real difference to us."