Deal between Texas Medical Center & Department for International Trade to boost UK’s life sciences

A landmark ‘BioBridge’ collaboration deal between the Department for International Trade (DIT) and the Texas Medical Center (TMC) is anticipated to give the UK’s life sciences industry a major boost.

Through this deal, British life sciences companies will have access to a network of advisors, investors and medical experts from both the DIT and the TMC — which is home to 61 innovators, including a leading cancer hospital in the US.

Additionally, the partnership will allow for a significant research collaboration on a wide range of medical issues, including the development and advancement of genomics and cancer treatments.

“The UK is a world leader in healthcare innovation, and this partnership is clear evidence of the opportunities that exist for our companies in exciting markets such as the US,” said minister of state for the DIT, Baroness Fairhead. “Our recently launched Export Strategy will help even more British life sciences companies to reach new markets — bringing together some of the brightest minds in science to advance the availability of innovative healthcare across the globe.”

“This truly unique collaboration is a testament to the Texas Medical Center’s and the United Kingdom’s joint commitment to further fostering the cross-pollination of ideas, people, and innovation in the life sciences,” added president & CEO of TMC, William McKeon. “We believe this new relationship will serve to create a tactical alliance between TMC and a nation that has been at the forefront of substantial medical innovation for centuries.”

“This unique opportunity will prove to be a valuable asset to UK and US healthcare professionals who are working tirelessly on the advancement of medical treatments for people all over the world,” commented former government chief scientist, and current chief executive of UK Research and Innovation, Sir Mark Walport. “With the recognition of the UK as a leader in research and development, I hope to see further collaboration between the Texas Medical Center and the UK in the near future.”

The collaboration is also expected to advance TMC’s research programme through it being able to utilise the UK’s research and development capability.

Healthcare trusts in Leeds, Cambridge and Manchester are in talks with institutions based at the Houston site and will now look to formalise partnerships.

Three UK companies have already made use of the BioBridge:

Paxman Scalp Cooling— A company which specialises in cooling therapies to help breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, have set up a subsidiary in Houston gaining traction due the entrepreneurial attitude of CEO, Richard Paxman.

SurePulse Medicaland FirstKind Limited— Both companies are in the initial stages of engagement with TMC ahead of major presentations to hundreds of investors, industry leaders and hospitals at ‘Demonstration Days’ in Texas.