The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 276 No 7390 p255
4 March 2006

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Pharmaceutical R&D investment falls for second year

Investment in pharmaceutical research and development in the UK has declined for the second year in succession.

Figures released by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry show that total expenditure on R&D of new medicines by UK-based pharmaceutical companies slid by 2 per cent in real terms to £3,244m in 2004. R&D capital expenditure declined from £490m in 2003 to £424m in 2004. Expenditure in this area has been declining since a peak of £532m in 2000.

ABPI director general Richard Barker said: “This country must not follow the paths of so many other European nations in creating barriers to innovation, whether through over-regulation or through concentration on the price of medicines rather than their value.”

Dr Barker called for new rules of engagement for the industry, the NHS and the Government. Productivity and outcomes were more important than numbers treated, he said.