The United Kingdom is still a "preferred country" in which to conduct pharmaceutical research and development but this should not be taken for granted, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry has warned.
According to a report compiled by the Centre for Medicines Research International, which is funded by the ABPI, £2.7bn was spent on research and development by UK-based pharmaceutical companies in 1998, a 5 per cent increase on the previous year. The investment represented 15 per cent of sales income.
Around 20,000 people were employed directly in pharmaceutical research and more that 2,000 new posts were created between 1996 and 1998.
Commenting on the report on August 2, Dr Trevor Jones (director-general, ABPI) said: "These figures show the strength of the UK-based pharmaceutical industry but, at the same time, they indicate a warning. There are various points of concern that say loud and clear: the value that the industry puts into Britain cannot and must not be taken for granted."
Dr Jones added that the work of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and its impact on innovation would be a significant factor affecting future investment.

Around 20,000 people work in pharmaceutical research in the United Kingdom