4 minute read
The Health and Wealth
The Health and Wealth of NI
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) in Northern Ireland is headed by Public Affairs Manager Marion Laverty, who shares with us here her views on the sector and her Association’s enthusiasm about joining NI Chamber.
The ABPI works to make sure the UK is the best place in the world to research, develop and use the medicines and vaccines of the future. The ABPI is the only trade association supporting pharmaceutical companies throughout the entire life cycle of a branded medicine from ‘bench to bedside’ – from early discovery through research, development, regulatory approval and finally to patient access.
With over 150 members – from established research-based pharmaceutical companies to affiliate members representing organisations that work with the industry in the UK – we provide a wide range of services and work with our members to share their insights and tell the story of how they change the lives of millions of people every day. The ABPI is delighted to join the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry. We have a long-standing presence in Northern Ireland and welcome the networking opportunities that Chamber membership will bring. This will enable the ABPI to continue to position biomedical innovation as a critical driver of the life and health sciences ecosystem and of economic growth.
In the last few years, the work of research-based pharmaceutical industry has become part of everyone’s lives. COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics allowed the world to open up again and created a pathway out of the pandemic. Medicines and vaccines have been doing that for a very long time; they keep people well, able to work, able to live.
In May 2022, the ABPI published its second economic impact analysis of the contribution of the sector to the Northern Ireland economy. The report highlights how life and health sciences can play an important role in Northern Ireland’s economic recovery from COVID-19 and the enormous potential for growth, by embracing innovation and having a joined-up health and prosperity agenda built on commitment and partnership.
The report reveals that life sciences firms support 19,500 jobs throughout Northern Ireland, with £2.2bn of economic output, and that for every one new job created in the sector, 1.8 jobs are generated elsewhere. This impact is even greater in pharmaceuticals manufacturing, where every new job creates another three, including in the wider supply chain.
The report also highlights many pillars of the work of the ABPI to improve the ecosystem, including academic outreach as a key focus across the UK. The ABPI engages at every level of the education journey, from primary and post-primary to university and beyond, providing unique resources through our schools website and initiatives to encourage the uptake of STEM subjects. I am personally passionate about this aspect of the Association’s work as a long-term STEM Ambassador and championed the introduction of the first ABPI-Enthuse Partnership in Northern Ireland.
Historically, in terms of global leadership in developing transformative treatments, Northern Ireland has been a critical part of advancements in cancer, cardiology and respiratory treatments. The ABPI believes that all the right ingredients are in place to continue to drive innovative approaches to healthcare: world-class universities, research capability, an integrated healthcare system and brilliant minds who are either based here or act as ambassadors throughout the world.
The ABPI is committed to supporting Northern Ireland to attract more research, champion sustainability initiatives, scale up successful pilot projects and develop strategies to attract and retain the skills needed for the future and vision of health and life sciences here.
Ahead of the May Assembly elections, the ABPI produced its first ever Northern Ireland Manifesto, setting out five ‘asks’ to ease pressures on the healthcare system and ensure that patients here can benefit from the latest research, medicines and vaccines. A commitment and proven track record of support from the pharmaceutical industry was at the core of each of the five ‘asks’: “We want the opportunity to work towards building
a skilled and resilient health and life
sciences workforce. The pharmaceutical industry is in a position to support
the adoption of innovative solutions
to reduce patient waiting lists. Our members are committed to increasing investment in clinical research and to improving access to new treatments. Finally, we are working towards building
public trust in the benefits of sharing
health data.”
As Northern Ireland looks to restore and rebuild health services, the need to work collaboratively and constructively across sectors has never been more apparent. The ABPI and its members are ready to play their part in this process and look forward to progressing discussions about improving the health and wealth of Northern Ireland with fellow NI Chamber members.
