​The UK biotech sector, once a beacon of innovation and growth, is currently facing a significant funding crisis. Recent data reveals that the sector experienced its worst funding downturn since 2012, with public markets contributing only £575 million to the annual fundraising total in 2022. Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) raised a mere £28 million, marking the lowest annual figure in over a decade. This stark decline has raised concerns among industry leaders and stakeholders about the future of biotech innovation in the UK.

At the recent Clinical Outsourcing Group (COG) conference held in London, this issue was a focal point of several panel discussions. The conference, which brought together senior decision-makers from across the UK clinical trial sector, highlighted the challenges and potential solutions to the funding crisis. Experts from industry, academia, and regulatory bodies shared their insights on the current state of the market and the steps needed to attract more investment.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Impact of Global Macroeconomic Uncertainty: Panelists at the COG conference emphasized that global economic instability has significantly impacted investor confidence. The biotech sector, which relies heavily on venture capital and public financing, has seen a sharp decline in new launches and IPOs. This has led to a reduced flow of capital into the sector, stifling innovation and growth.

2. Venture Capital Resilience: Despite the downturn in public market funding, venture capital investment in UK biotech showed remarkable resilience. In 2022, the sector raised £1.2 billion in venture capital, making it the third-best year on record for such investments. New venture capital funds with a mandate to invest in UK biotech were created, adding another £3.7 billion of potential capital. This indicates that while public markets are struggling, there is still strong interest from private investors.

3. Acquisition of UK Biotech Firms: Another significant trend discussed at the conference was the acquisition of UK biotech firms by US companies. High-profile acquisitions, such as Pfizer's purchase of ReViral for £420 million and Gilead's acquisition of MiroBio for £305 million, were highlighted as examples of the premium being placed on UK innovation. While these acquisitions bring capital into the sector, they also raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of UK-based biotech innovation.

4. Government Support and Policy Changes: The halving of R&D tax relief for SMEs was a major point of contention at the conference. Industry leaders stressed the importance of R&D tax credits in leveraging private investment and driving the UK life sciences ecosystem. The reduction in tax relief without clear details on further support has left many startups and scale-ups in a precarious position, potentially hindering their growth and development.

Moving Forward

The discussions at the COG conference underscored the need for a multifaceted approach to address the funding crisis in the UK biotech sector. Key recommendations included:

• Enhancing Government Support: There is a pressing need for the UK government to revisit its policies on R&D tax relief and provide more robust support to biotech startups and scale-ups. This could involve increasing tax credits, offering grants, and creating a more favorable regulatory environment.

• Attracting Global Capital: While competition for global capital is fierce, the UK biotech sector must continue to position itself as a leader in innovation. This involves showcasing successful case studies, such as Verona Pharma's phase 3 trial for Ensifentrine and Immunocore's regulatory approval for KIMMTRAK, to attract international investors.

• Strengthening Public Market Conditions: Efforts must be made to improve the conditions for public market funding. This could involve creating incentives for IPOs, reducing market volatility, and enhancing investor confidence through transparent and consistent regulatory practices.

In conclusion, the funding crisis in the UK biotech market is a complex issue that requires coordinated efforts from government, industry, and investors. The insights from the Clinical Outsourcing Group conference provide a valuable roadmap for addressing these challenges and ensuring the continued growth and innovation of the UK biotech sector.

References:

Pharmaphorum

Biotech Finance

PBC Group