With the UK playing more of a leading role in life sciences than ever before, the opportunities locally have never been more exciting. At the Pharmaceutical Industry Network Group (PING) conference on 26 November, pharma experts discussed Britain's great life sciences future, from the UK's latest genomics projects, to personalised treatments and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in pharma and drug discovery.
Over 180 delegates attended the 11th PING Conference, sponsored by Hertfordshire LEP and Eventum Partners. Highlights included news about the launch of NHS England's Genomic Medicine Service, future opportunities for cell and gene therapies, more efficient use of data to improve drug discovery and personalised medicine, and strong industry collaboration and investment opportunities.
The event was opened by PING Chair Paul Gershlick, Partner and Head of Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences at VWV, with opening words of support from Hertfordshire LEP Board member Dr Sally Ann Forsyth, CEO of Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst; and Darren Spevick, Managing Partner of Eventum Partners.
Sally Ann said: "This conference is a shining example of how Hertfordshire is curating growth by playing to its key sector strengths. Stevenage in Hertfordshire is now at the epicentre of a globally renowned cell and gene cluster thanks to targeted LEP investments and a supportive ecosystem that is instrumental to its success. We are proud of our long association with this event, which has grown in scale and stature and now attracts an audience from far beyond the county’s boundaries.”
Paul said: "We are delighted to have held our first-ever virtual PING Conference with such a stellar line-up of speakers on these key areas. The future of life sciences is promising - it is all about innovation, individuality and collaboration. The UK is the vanguard within the pharma industry in these exciting areas, taking it to new heights to improve people's overall health."
Visit the VWV website to read more about the event and learn:
- how the UK is leading the genomics revolution;
- how genomics and gene therapies are being applied;
- what is next for personalised medicine and AI; and
- the future of CAR-T, which has been proven as an effective way to fight some haemophilic cancers.
Stevenage in Hertfordshire is now at the epicentre of a globally renowned cell and gene cluster thanks to targeted LEP investments and a supportive ecosystem that is instrumental to its success.
