UCB, Roche lead new investments in UK's life sciences sector

UCB will invest 1 billion pounds ($1.3 billion) in R&D in the UK over the next five years, including the construction of a new facility, as part of the UK Government's life sciences industrial strategy outlined on Wednesday. Business secretary Greg Clark remarked "the announcement of UCB’s investment in new research and development is a clear vote of confidence in UK life sciences research base and business."

The government added that Roche will also invest a further 30 million pounds ($38.3 million) in the UK, including a 20 million pound ($25.6 million) investment over three years in a precision cancer research partnership with the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester. The collaboration will use genomic technology and big data to accelerate the next generation of digital clinical trials for rare cancers.

In addition, five cell and gene therapy companies will invest 80 million pounds ($102.2 million) in the UK, with the majority in manufacturing facilities. Autolus plans to invest 50 million pounds ($63.9 million) to expand its UK presence, including a new global headquarters, while Oxford BioMedica, Cobra Biologics and Roslin CT are planning investments of 19 million pounds ($24.3 million), 8 million pounds ($10.2 million) and 4 million pounds ($5.1 million), respectively.