BIA Hopeful New Government Proposals will Help Boost UK as a Location for Clinical Trials

The BIA has welcomed government proposals to make the UK a more favourable location for innovative biopharmaceutical research and development through its consultation on the Research and Bolar Exceptions.

The proposals seek to add clarity to the UK's position on the types of research and clinical trials that can be carried out in the UK without giving rise to a risk of patent infringement.

In a submission to the government on a previous informal consultation in July 2011, the BIA called for a level playing field so that developers of innovative products were afforded the same level of protection and certainty as others.

Steve Bates, Chief Executive of the BIA, said: "We welcome the government's commitment to reviewing this issue and ensuring everything is done to make the UK an attractive location to conduct research and clinical trials."

Bates continued, "Biopharmaceutical companies invest more in R&D in the UK than any other sector and we have all the tools to continue to develop new medicines for patients. We look forward to engaging with government on this issue to ensure any barriers to continued such investment is removed."

John Murphy, Chair of the BIA's Intellectual Property Advisory Committee, said: "Companies need to have confidence and certainty in the legal framework within which they operate particularly where intellectual property is concerned."

Murphy continued, "It is important to provide clarity regarding the UK's interpretation of the Research and Bolar Exceptions so that innovative drug developers operate on a level playing field and we hope this consultation will provide the opportunity to address these issues."