The UK Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has awarded more than £54 million across eight R&D projects through the Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Programme.
This programme is a joint effort between government and industry that is funded through the VPAG Investment Programme.
Additionally, DSIT has boosted by more than £20m in additional backing from industry which will seek to support work to make medicines production more environmentally friendly and efficient.
This will look at how anaesthetic gas could be recycled and reused, how spent fuel from Britain’s nuclear power stations could be converted into the next generation of cancer therapies.
This is in addition to efforts to make medicines production less wasteful by putting AI and robotics to work in British factories – this is being delivered by Innovate UK.
UK business and trade secretary Peter Kyle said: “We’re determined to make the UK a life sciences superpower.
“That’s why its one of our 8 priority sectors in our modern Industrial Strategy – so we can build on our strengths and stay at the forefront of innovation.
“Britain’s life sciences sector is one of our greatest national assets, driving breakthroughs that save lives, create high-skilled jobs, and attract world-class investment.
“This funding shows our commitment to backing the boldest ideas helping deliver the economic growth and national renewal this government is focused on.”
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