Life Sciences Sector Outlines Innovation Strategy for Scotland, According to ABPI
In the lead-up to the Scottish parliamentary elections in May 2026, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has unveiled a manifesto aimed at propelling Scotland to the forefront of the global life sciences sector.
The manifesto, titled 'Manifesto for Health and Growth,' outlines a series of measures designed to boost Scotland's life sciences sector, contribute significantly to the country's GDP, and improve patient care.
According to the manifesto, Scotland has the potential to be a global leader in the research, development, and use of cutting-edge medicines and diagnostics. However, it faces challenges in the uptake of new medicines, running clinical trials, and under-utilization of health data.
To address these challenges, the ABPI has proposed several solutions. One such proposal is the adoption of a 'once for Scotland' approach to health data to overcome problems with data silos. This would streamline the process of accessing and utilising health data for medicines research.
Another proposal is the creation of a single metadata directory of NHS datasets to enable meaningful analysis and insight. This would help in better understanding the cradle-to-grave datasets that Scotland possesses, which, if better utilised, can significantly improve patient outcomes.
The ABPI has also called for faster patient access to innovative new treatments. To achieve this, they suggest that Scotland should aim for a clinical trial setup time of 150 days, similar to plans in England. This would make Scotland a more attractive destination for clinical trials, helping to combat the risk of losing trials to faster and more reliable competitor countries.
The manifesto also addresses the issue of medicines accessibility. Medicines are less accessible to patients in Scotland compared to many other European countries, including England. To address this, the ABPI has proposed that Scottish health boards should be obliged to adopt medicines approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium for use on the NHS, or provide an explanation for not doing so.
The life sciences sector in Scotland is not without its complexities. Companies in the sector must navigate dual compliance regimes, protect their intellectual assets across jurisdictions, and manage heightened risks around data privacy and product liability. The sector also faces a complex legal landscape shaped by post-Brexit regulatory divergence, evolving intellectual property frameworks, and increasing ESG scrutiny.
In a statement, Richard Torbett, ABPI chief executive, said, 'The opportunity from Scotland's life sciences sector depends on bold choices that prioritize research, innovation, and patient access.' He emphasised that these choices would require a concerted effort from all political parties in Scotland.
The ABPI's manifesto is not a government document but an industry blueprint, directed at all political parties in Scotland. It represents a significant step towards making Scotland a global leader in life sciences, and its implementation could have far-reaching implications for patient care and the Scottish economy.
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