ABPI response to funding pledges on dementia research and innovative medicines

The Conservatives have today committed to doubling existing funding for dementia research, as well as creating an Innovative Medicines Fund to give patients faster access to cutting-edge medicines for cancer and other diseases. 

The dementia research funding would increase the number of clinical research academics and researchers in innovative techniques such as advanced therapeutics and neurotechnologies. 

On the Innovative Medicines Fund pledge, ABPI Chief Executive Mike Thompson said: 

"We are delighted to see this proposal, which is excellent news for patients. If this fund is brought in, it would help people get the breakthough medicines they need faster and make a real difference to people's lives. 

"We look forward to working constructively with any new Government to benefit patients, boost UK life sciences and create valuable jobs." 

On the dementia research funding commitment, Dr Sheuli Porkess, ABPI's Executive Director of Research, Medical and Innovation commented: 

“Dementia is one of the most significant societal challenges we face. It has also been one of the most difficult areas of science in recent years, so this commitment is very welcome to help UK scientists find new ways to fight the disease.

“The UK is a global leader in research, and the announcement of a ‘Dementia Moonshot’ with significant public sector funding will also encourage further private investment, which will generate valuable jobs and growth in life sciences.”

About the ABPI 

The ABPI represents innovative research-based biopharmaceutical companies, large, medium and small, leading an exciting new era of biosciences in the UK.

Our industry, a major contributor to the economy of the UK, brings life-saving and life-enhancing medicines to patients.  We represent companies who supply more than 80 per cent of all branded medicines used by the NHS and who are researching and developing the majority of the current medicines pipeline, ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of helping patients prevent and overcome disease.

Globally our industry is researching and developing more than 7,000 new medicines. 

The ABPI is recognised by government as the industry body negotiating on behalf of the branded pharmaceutical industry for statutory consultation requirements including the pricing scheme for medicines in the UK.​​