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Strategy for UK Life Sciences: one year on

  • This report published on 10 December 2012 gives an update on progress implementing measures in the ‘Strategy for UK life sciences’

    The strategy set out a long-term programme with a range of practical measures that the Government will take to improve the environment for large and small health life science companies in the UK. It included providing support from discovery right through to the commercialisation of medicines, diagnostics and devices. The one year on report describes substantial progress made this year in implementing these measures. It also announces the government’s intention to commit to sequencing 100,000 whole genomes over the next 3-5 years. This is part of continuing government efforts to develop the UK’s position as a global life sciences hub.

    The following extract (p29) refers to AHSNs:

    “To make the NHS a better place to do business with, AHSNs are being created, to develop a systematic approach to ensure diffusion of innovation happens and do more of what we already know works.

    15 AHSN applications have been received and designation panel interviews will take place between December 2012 and February 2013 with the expectation that AHSNs will be in place Q1 2013/14 in line with the time lines published in IHW. Each AHSN application will set out its plan for their first 100 days including those aspects bespoke to their application and incorporating what they will do to support the Comply or Explain regime and work with SMEs on medical technology projects and research participation. IHW is working with the Association of British Healthcare Industries to ensure that in every AHSN there is an understanding of the medical technology development process and that AHSNs maximise the potential of partnering with medical technology companies to facilitate knowledge of emerging innovations.”