In Leasowe, near Moreton on the Wirral peninsula in Liverpool, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) is investing £35 million in a new glass-clad laboratory. This facility is part of a burgeoning life sciences cluster in the region, recognized as one of Europe’s largest hubs for vaccine development and infectious disease research.
The announcement of BMS’s new building comes at a time when AstraZeneca, the UK’s largest pharmaceutical company, has paused a significant £450 million investment in a nearby vaccine research site in Speke, as it seeks government grant funding. This funding represents a crucial test of the new government’s willingness to intervene and support domestic pharmaceutical growth.
The new BMS laboratory, set to be unveiled next May, will be 50% larger than its current facilities and will accommodate 250 staff, effectively doubling the workforce over the last eight years. This lab will serve as a key site for developing new products and determining the stability of existing medications. As part of its commitment to sustainability, BMS employs enzymes in its processes to reduce reliance on oil-based solvents and heavy metals.
The region is home to a thriving life sciences sector, with 167 companies employing over 6,000 people. It is anticipated that the life sciences investment zone in Liverpool could attract £800 million in investments over the next decade, potentially creating an additional 8,000 jobs. This effort underscores the local government’s dedication to fostering economic growth through collaboration among biotech and pharma companies.
While AstraZeneca focuses on negotiating incentives with the government for expanding its Speke facility, the company aims to enhance its manufacturing capabilities. The site could transform into a comprehensive development and manufacturing center, critical for the UK’s preparedness against future pandemics.
As Liverpool aims to position itself as a global leader in infectious disease understanding and prevention, the investment from companies like BMS represents a beacon of hope for local job creation and economic revitalization. This developing narrative in the UK’s life sciences sector emphasizes not only the importance of government support but also the collaborative spirit between academia, industry, and the public sector.
Liverpool’s legacy in healthcare and pharmaceutical innovation adds weight to its pursuit of drawing additional investments and expertise, as the region seeks to remain vibrant in the rapidly evolving life sciences landscape.