Pharma body agrees five-year deal to boost NHS innovation

The UK’s pharma trade body, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), has signed a five-year partnership that aims to increase the use of novel medical technology across the NHS.

The partnership with the Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs) will see ABPI member companies work with NHS organisations to identify and collaborate on projects that accelerate the spread of proven innovation.

There are 15 AHSNs across the country, which were set up in 2013 to spread innovation in the NHS and social care system, focusing on technologies that are relevant to their particular geographical area.

Although they are small organisations, the AHSNs aim to bring people, resources and organisations together to encourage hospitals and clinics to use innovative technology that is proven to improve quality of services.

The latest collaboration will address new priority areas of the AHSNs including economic growth, digital technology and artificial intelligence, research, genomics and personalised medicine, and diagnostics and medicines optimisation.

According to the ABPI similar agreements at regional level and for specific disease areas have already shown positive results.

For example, the Greater Manchester Pharmaceutical Industry Partnership has resulted in the progression of three substantial projects in Hepatitis C, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and mental health in its first year of operation. All of these projects have matched health system needs with industry solutions.

[caption id="attachment_21182" align="alignnone" width="120"] Mike Thompson[/caption]

ABPI chief executive Mike Thompson said: “As a result of this new partnership, patients will be able to benefit from the innovative medicines and technologies of the future faster and more consistently.

“I’m delighted to be working with the AHSN Network on this important initiative.

“The prize for success will be a virtuous circle that delivers benefits for patients and the NHS. There will also be economic benefits to the UK from a thriving life sciences ecosystem.”

Chair of the AHSN Network Mike Hannay said: ““We are excited about the opportunities afforded by our new partnership with the ABPI, with whom we already have a long-standing and very positive relationship.

“The AHSN Network is committed to creating the right environment for industry to work with the health and social care system.”