Jay Ark

This morning, our Chief Executive Richard Torbett MBE joined BBC News business to discuss investment in medicines. He highlighted that the UK now spends just 9% of the NHS budget on medicines – down from 14% a decade ago. In contrast, most of Europe invests between 14% and 20%. This widening gap leaves the UK at risk of falling behind when it comes to attracting global life sciences investment and ensuring patients get innovative treatments quickly. As Richard said on the programme, it’s important that government and industry work together to get to a better position on this. We believe it is possible to find a solution. 👇

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York Hospital joins groundbreaking national cancer vaccine trial 💉 Patients at York Hospital with advanced head and neck cancer now have the opportunity to take part in a pioneering mRNA cancer vaccine trial. The investigational vaccine – AHEAD-MERIT (BNT113-01) – is designed to help the immune system recognise and destroy cancer cells linked to human papillomavirus (HPV). Led locally by Mr Richard Taylor, Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, this milestone means some York patients can join a wider national programme that could transform treatment for head and neck cancers. Every year, more than 11,000 people in England are diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Despite advances in treatment, outcomes for advanced disease remain poor, making new approaches like this so important. Chris Curtis, a patient who was diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2011 said: “With this cancer, you live in fear every day, so anything that could help control the disease or give people peace of mind is groundbreaking. It'll allow people to get on with their lives and move forward.” Eligible patients at York Hospital will be identified by our Head and Neck Team and referred to St James’ University Hospital, Leeds, to take part in the trial 🏥

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Our Gastroenterology colleagues have successfully introduced another biosimilar medicine (Ustekinumab) for the treatment of patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), as part of ongoing efforts to enhance care and improve value for the NHS. This is the third biosimilar product to be implemented at OUH for IBD, which includes long-term conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The move is part of a nationally-supported approach to safely and effectively expand the use of biosimilar medicines across the NHS. Biosimilars are highly similar versions of already approved biological medicines. They are assessed and authorised according to the same rigorous standards of pharmaceutical quality, safety, and clinical effectiveness that apply to all biological treatments. The move to Ustekinumab, along with previous biosimilar switches, has saved the Trust an estimated £4.9 million – funds which can be reinvested into patient care and service improvements. The changeover to the biosimilar was carefully planned, with the pharmacy team, IBD specialist nurses, and consultant team all integral to the process, and colleagues ensured there was careful communication with and support for affected patients. Those patients who had additional questions or concerns were offered appointments in ad-hoc clinics, where they could discuss the change directly with a consultant and specialist pharmacist. 🗣️ Dr Oliver Brain, Consultant Gastroenterologist at OUH, said: “Good disease control is vital in managing inflammatory bowel disease, and we are pleased to have introduced this additional treatment option safely and smoothly. Biosimilars offer the same clinical benefits as the originator drug, while helping us make best use of NHS resources.” Thank you to all involved – you can read more in our news story ⬇️ 🔗 https://orlo.uk/kJ4cK

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With the National Cancer Plan expected in the coming months, its contents sparked discussions on the sidelines of the Labour Party Conference.   John McNeill, Oncology Business Unit Director at MSD in the UK, explores in The House Magazine how the Plan can truly improve care and outcomes for cancer patients across England.   From reducing disparity in care to preparing for the next generation of treatments, the National Cancer Plan presents a rare opportunity to address the challenges facing cancer patients in England today and enable the NHS for tomorrow.   See below three elements we believe the Plan should deliver on👇and read the full article here 👉 http://bit.ly/4ogj63z   GB-NON-11930

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The UK’s life sciences sector is at a pivotal moment... Despite Merck’s and AstraZeneca’s recent announcements, there are reasons for optimism. The convergence of AI and health innovation is creating new opportunities for growth - especially in the spaces where universities, hospitals and investors collaborate. Our CEO, Anne Lane, has written an op-ed in the Financial Times about her optimism for the sector. She highlights that, at UCLB, we’ve seen firsthand how research breakthroughs can become commercial success stories: £3bn external in investment since 2020, and 100+ spinout companies creating 2300+ jobs.  But the potential goes far beyond this. To truly unlock economic growth, the UK needs more early-stage funding to help academic research become market-ready, more scale-up venture capital and an easier-to-access NHS, to provide the market ‘pull’ for homegrown health innovations coming out of our universities. Read Anne's thoughts on what needs to change - and why the UK can still lead the next wave of medical breakthroughs (£): https://lnkd.in/eZGYiSc7

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'We need to move with the times' - Matthew Durdy, Chief Executive, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult.   In this Pink Sheet interview, Matthew Durdy, CGT Catapult, discusses how recent changes in UK drug regulations could impact the #cell and #gene therapy industry, and how the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)'s new reforms in decentralised manufacturing are a positive signal for the UK's #CellTherapy ecosystem.   Read the interview: https://lnkd.in/eK4AR8BG   #ATMPs #AdvancedTherapies Citeline

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At AMCE, innovation goes beyond technology - it’s about precision, people, and delivering an exceptional patient experience. In the latest feature by ARISE News, Dr. Boules Gabriel, MD, MBA, MRCP SCE, MSc Oncology, Clinical Director of Oncology, shares how AMCE is redefining cancer care in Africa by integrating state-of-the-art medical systems with world-class clinical expertise. He highlights AMCE’s investment in both advanced infrastructure and the skilled professionals who bring it to life - citing the radiotherapy department, where AI-powered linear accelerators with real-time imaging enable sub-millimetre tumor tracking, even as the patient breathes. This is not just about machines - it’s about building a sustainable, high-precision ecosystem of care. At AMCE, technology and talent converge to set a new benchmark for healthcare on the continent. #AMCE #HealthcareInnovation #MedicalExcellence #AfricaHealth #OncologyCare #HealthTech #FutureOfHealthcare #PatientCentredCare

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