New Precision Medicine Catapult: Chairman Appointed

Professor Richard Barker has been appointed as the new chairman of the Precision Medicine Catapult, set to open later in 2015. He spent seven years as Director General of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, is founding Director of the Centre for the Advancement of Sustainable Medical Innovation, based at Oxford University and UCL and also chairman of the South London Academic Health Science Network and the corresponding Genomic Medicine Centre.

Precision medicine uses diagnostic tests and analysis of clinical data to select the most appropriate treatment for individual patients. This sector is currently worth £14 billion in annual sales of new therapies and diagnostic tests worldwide. This is forecast to reach £50 to 60 billion per annum by 2020.

Universities, Science and Cities Minister Greg Clark commented: “The Precision Medicine Catapult is a testament to the UK’s strength in the life sciences sector and our commitment to ensuring the UK takes the lead in this emerging area. Richard Barker’s expertise and experience make him an ideal candidate to drive forward this important addition to our catapult network.”

Richard Barker said: “I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to build a high-talent team to drive forward the UK’s position in precision medicine – taking full advantage of a wide range of investments already made. I’m determined that the UK be among the leaders in forging what is, in many ways, the future of medicine.”

Richard will help Innovate UK find a home for the new Precision Medicine catapult which is already generating significant interest from leading UK universities and hospitals. It is one of two new Catapults set to open this year, bringing the total to nine Catapults operating in the UK connecing businesses with the UK’s research and academic communities.