19 August 2024

BIA Update - 19 August 2024

This week’s update pays tribute to a founding father of UK Biotech, Dave Chiswell, previews our busy autumn events and introduces exciting new BIA initiatives.

A busy and buoyant Autumn

Summer may be winding down, but a busy Autumn for the UK biotech sector awaits, buoyed by some good news from our latest UK Biotech Financing report. With a series of upcoming BIA events all open for booking, including Women in Biotech Manchester, TechBio UK, Future of UK Regulation, Annual BioProcessUK and the BioCentury/BIA CEO & Investor Dialogue, we recommend that you take a look at the fantastic lineup of thought leadership and networking available in the coming weeks.

We’re excited to launch new initiatives too such as TechBio Boost (with KQ Labs, a programme for scaling TechBio), our DEI Workshop: Future Black Leaders in UK Biotech and London Life Sciences Week – watch this space!

BIA’s legendary Gala Dinner is now scheduled for 30 January 2025 back at The Roundhouse and tables are available to book. Visit the website for the table plan and contact information. With a new earlier start time, there will be more time to network with collaborators and friends. Individual tickets will be available later in the year.

Tribute to Dave Chiswell OBE

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of David Chiswell. A force of nature and the founding father of UK biotech, David’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the sector were instrumental in its growth. From CEO at strategically important companies Cambridge Antibody Technologies and Kymab, Chair of the BIA and NED/Advisor to many burgeoning companies in the sector, his contributions were invaluable.

"David was an unwavering optimist and a passionate advocate for the UK Life Sciences industry. His inspiration, guidance, and encouragement shaped the paths of many biotech entrepreneurs. He will be sadly missed.” Dan Mahony, Chair of BIA.

"David was a wonderfully wise, yet humble man who was incredibly generous in sharing his time, ideas, experience and his vision. Over the years his leadership touched the lives of many of us working in the UK biotech sector and he has left a great legacy in the people and the science he enabled to flourish. We will miss him greatly.” Jane Osbourn OBE, Former Chair of BIA; Chair of Mogrify and CSO, Alchemab.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Nominations for the BIA Board

We are delighted to invite nominations from individuals interested in joining the BIA Board. Nominations for next year's board must be received by Tuesday 17 September 2024. This year, there are five places up for election in total, four for corporate members and one for Associate/Network members. If your organisation is a member of BIA and you are interested in applying, please contact company secretary, Nick Gardiner at [email protected]

2025 Charity of the Year Partnership

Applications for the 2025 Charity of the Year Partnership will close on 31 August! We are enjoying a fabulous year with RNID as our partners for 2024 and encourage research charities in the sector to take a look at some of the great things we’ve done together so far. Please do get in touch if you have any questions about applying (and member companies please let us know if you’re interested in FREE deaf awareness training places currently on offer from RNID!)

MHRA advice and support

Last week, the MHRA issued guidance on the pre-submission service offered to companies before applying for marketing authorisation for new active substances and biological medicines. It’s important to note that pre-submission advice differs from the MHRA’s Scientific Advice. Member companies seeking a scientific advice meeting should plan and apply well in advance. The BIA continues to engage with the MHRA as it works to transform the Scientific Advice process into a timely, high-quality service.

Key industry updates

We're excited to see the launch of the NHS Antimicrobial Products Subscription Model, a crucial step in tackling antimicrobial resistance. This innovative approach demonstrates the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors in addressing major healthcare challenges.