The UK faces a stark choice – to be a welcoming market for innovative global industries that create value for the health system, or a commercial environment solely focused on cost saving, resulting in declining life science investment and reduced access to the next generation of innovative treatments for NHS patients.

The approval of pirtobrutinib is a testament to the potential of the UK biotech industry to discover important new treatments for unmet medical needs. The team at Redx should be incredibly proud to have originated a molecule that has made it to market given that fewer than 5% of preclinical projects currently achieve this milestone. It also serves to highlight that an FDA approval is the culmination of years of work, requiring significant investment, which often forces the UK biotech community to secure partnerships and investment from outside the UK so their research can become reality. With its world-class innovation capabilities, of which pirtobrutinib offers a shining example, the UK can be a real force in the global biotech market and greater financial and political support from within will help ensure more of the ultimate returns are captured by the UK economy.

As the originators of pirtobrutinib, the approval of Jaypirca™ by the US FDA demonstrates the world-class capabilities of Redx's scientists placing the team amongst the few UK biotechs who have successfully discovered an FDA approved drug. This achievement showcases what the UK biotech industry is capable of and the need to nurture and support innovation. We are proud to be headquartered at Alderley Park, the largest single-site life science park in the UK, and delighted that this achievement has been commemorated with the unveiling of a plaque on the Park's 'Wall of Discovery'. I would particularly like to congratulate Dr. Nicolas Guisot, Vice President, Drug Discovery and Dr. Richard Armer, Chief Scientific Officer, both of whom were instrumental in the discovery of pirtobrutinib, along with the team at Redx.  We look forward to continuing to deliver on our vision of discovering targeted medicines that impact patients.

“Thank you to BIA members who have enabled us to bring together this first of its kind measurement of diversity and inclusion across UK-based life science and biotech companies. This report showcases the inclusive nature of our sector and some of the incredible diversity of talent in it. But there is much, much more to do.   This agenda is one that all UK life science company leaders need to engage with. Diverse teams allow for a wider range of skills and knowledge in an organisation, which leads to more innovative solutions and new ways of thinking. Increasingly investors, employees and potential staff are seeking out companies committed to, and delivering on this agenda. The BIA understands every company will embark on its journey from its unique heritage. I hope this collective snapshot of where peer-like companies stand, helps everyone with a vital sector benchmark, answers initial questions and enables planning routes forward with confidence. Sector data presented in this report highlights some key areas of success across UK life sciences and biotech, which should be celebrated. It has also identified areas for change which will require collaboration, effort and commitment. The considered recommendations provide workable next steps at both a company and sector level. I, and the whole BIA team, look forward to championing and supporting members making sustainable change."

Allies, incredible mentors, and female role models have supported me and given me the confidence to advocate for myself, to be heard and to own my opinion. It has been really informative gathering data on both diversity and inclusion across the sector and so important to have the evidence for sustainable change. Who we are and what we contribute is really important.