The UK’s life sciences sector is set to receive a £279 million boost as part of a new collaboration between the UK Government and pharmaceutical giant Lilly, announced at the International Investment Summit on Monday, 14 October. The partnership aims to advance medical research and help address significant health challenges, including the country’s rising obesity crisis. This investment reinforces the government’s goal of catalysing investment and innovation, proving that the UK is “open for business.”
The collaboration is centred around the launch of the first ‘Lilly Gateway Labs’ innovation accelerator in Europe, which will be based in the UK. This initiative will support early-stage life sciences companies by providing access to lab space, mentorship, and potential financial backing. The new facility aims to accelerate the development of transformative medicines, positioning the UK as a global leader in medical innovation.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting welcomed the announcement, highlighting the UK’s world-class scientific community and the vast potential of the NHS to drive medical advancements. “This partnership brings life-changing treatments closer to being a reality for NHS patients,” Streeting said. He added that collaborations like this would play a key role in building a healthier society, strengthening the economy, and ensuring the NHS is prepared for the future.
The UK’s life sciences sector currently supports around 300,000 jobs, and this new initiative is expected to create further opportunities for growth. The launch of the Gateway Labs facility in the UK marks a significant step in Lilly’s efforts to support innovation in healthcare, making it the first such facility in Europe.
David A. Ricks, Chair and CEO of Eli Lilly & Company, said the partnership is an important milestone for the company, particularly in its efforts to combat obesity. “We are pleased to reinforce Lilly’s commitment to improving health for people living with obesity and its serious consequences,” Ricks stated.
Obesity, the second largest preventable cause of cancer in the UK, costs the NHS more than £11 billion annually. The collaboration between Lilly and the government will focus on developing new treatments and technologies that improve long-term health outcomes for patients. The partnership also highlights a commitment to trial innovative approaches to treating obesity and preventing its impact on public health.
NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard described the collaboration as a “game-changer,” emphasising the potential of new weight loss drugs in helping people manage obesity and reduce the risk of serious conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
The investment in life sciences is part of a broader strategy to support economic growth through health innovation. The government is keen to leverage the sector’s potential to boost the economy while advancing healthcare solutions. Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle described the collaboration as a “ground-breaking” opportunity for the UK, adding that it reinforces the international reputation of the UK’s life sciences industry.
The summit also attracted attention from regional leaders, with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Scotland’s Health Secretary Neil Gray praising the potential of the partnership to transform healthcare and create new opportunities for collaboration.
