Taylor Vinters - Solicitors

A large-scale government blueprint is aiming to transform the life sciences sector by helping patients gain faster access to potentially innovative new medicine and technological breakthroughs.

The Office for Life Sciences Blueprint has been drawn up by ministers in collaboration with industry representatives, academia and members of the NHS.

Under the terms of the scheme, the government and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) will create an innovation pass, allowing innovative new medicines to be made available through the NHS for limited periods.

The NHS is also expected to look at incentives and system levers, potentially including payment by results, in order to quicken the uptake of beneficial life science technologies.

Andrew Dillion, chief executive of NICE, commented that the organisation is committed to engaging with life sciences companies in the future.

He said: "Securing a successful future for the life sciences industries is important for patients and the UK economy.

"NICE is committed to engaging constructively with companies and we are extending the access that companies have to us, as we appraise their products."

The body recently set up a guidance development group to look into recommendations for the diagnosis of low risk basal cell carcinomas in the primary care sector.

Patrick Farrant, head of the technology team at Taylor Vinters, commented: "It is great to see that the government has recognised the importance of the life sciences sector to the UK by identifying it as one of three strategic sectors (along with digital and the carbon economy).

"I am particularly pleased to see the importance of the NHS being recognised, along with the real steps being taken to integrate the various parts of the sector."

He added: "On the funding side, the government's £150 million to cornerstone a £1 billion private investment fund is good news. All we need now is the small print for the fund, so we can help our clients to apply for funding."