Revitalising UK life sciences: a critical moment for health and economic growth

Rippon Ubhi, Country Lead Sanofi UK & Ireland and Chair of the European Medicines Group | Sanofi

The UK’s commercial environment for life sciences has been out of line with comparable countries for some time and is worsening. After a medicine receives its safety and efficacy licence (marketing authorisation), only 56 per cent become available to NHS patients in England and just 54 per cent in Scotland.¹ This means British patients wait longer for the treatments they need that are readily available elsewhere in Europe.¹

The gap directly impacts both health outcomes and economic growth. Since 2022, we’ve invested billions into research and development (R&D) and manufacturing in countries like France, Germany and Spain, but the poor commercial environment means the UK was not considered as a suitable market for Sanofi investment. Our UK clinical trials have dropped by half since 2023, despite our large and growing pipeline of potential treatments. This pattern repeats across the industry, with life sciences foreign investment plummeting 58 per cent between 2021 and 2023 - representing thousands of lost jobs and billions in missed economic opportunity.¹

Germany shows what’s possible. After regulatory approval, 88 per cent of new medicines quickly become available to German patients - the highest rate among European comparators.¹ This patient-focused approach has made Germany the second-largest destination globally for life sciences investment, behind only the United States.¹ When companies can reliably bring innovations to patients, they invest more in research, manufacturing, and high-skilled jobs.

The path forward requires bold action. I’ve been encouraged by recent positive signals from the government, such as bringing forward the much-needed review of the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG). As we approach major health announcements in June, I remain optimistic that they will deliver the necessary changes through the 10-year NHS plan and Life Sciences Sector Plan. To succeed, these plans must include:

1. Increased medicines budget: Funding of R&D, through payment for medicines, should increase as a percentage of overall health expenditure more in line with similar countries, including France, Germany and Nordic countries. We should prioritise patient access to innovation and support its appropriate use across the country, with minimal unwarranted variation.
2. Modernised assessment system: Reform of how we evaluate new treatments to properly value innovation, aligned with global standards and ensuring patient outcomes don’t fall even further behind those in comparable countries.
3. Clear metrics for success: Transparent tracking of UK performance against international benchmarks for patient access to new medicines. 

At Sanofi, we stand ready to partner with the government to create a virtuous circle: improving population health, keeping people productive and able to work, and driving economic growth through increased inward investment. The decisions made this summer will determine whether the UK can reclaim its position as a life sciences leader or continue to fall behind. The opportunity for patients, the NHS, and our economy is too important to miss.

For more information, please contact ukie.communications@sanofi.com.

This article has been funded by Sanofi UK as part of its activities to support discussions on the key health challenges facing the UK.

1. GOV.UK (2024) Life sciences competitiveness indicators 2024: summary. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/life-sciences-sector-data-2024/ life-sciences-competitiveness-indicators-2024-summary

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