£80M Boost for UK Life Sciences: Jobs & Key Medicines

Investments across the UK will deliver vaccines and medicines for conditions like cancer and bipolar disorder

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:04am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image revealing the intricate internal structure of a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, with glowing lines and shapes against a dark background, conceptually representing the advanced technology and innovation driving the UK's life sciences sector.Advanced manufacturing capabilities bolster the UK's supply of vital medicines and ensure reliable access to the newest treatments.Haverhill Today

The UK government is unlocking over £80 million in new investments for the country's life sciences sector, supporting the production of vital medicines and creating over 500 highly skilled jobs. The funding, delivered through the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF), will strengthen regional life sciences clusters and help advance the government's Life Sciences Sector Plan.

Why it matters

These investments will bolster the UK's supply of critical medicines, ensuring reliable access to the newest and best treatments for people living with conditions like cancer, bipolar disorder, and neurodegenerative diseases. The funding also supports the government's goal of making the UK a global hub for life sciences innovation and manufacturing.

The details

The £80 million in new investments includes a £45 million commitment from Accord Healthcare to boost production of oncology and chemotherapy medicines at its Barnstaple site, as well as £10 million for the University of Birmingham's Precision Health Technologies Accelerator to establish a new biomanufacturing facility. Codis is also investing in a new spray-drying facility in Haverhill, Suffolk to support the development of next-generation therapies. These projects will create over 500 new jobs and safeguard 160 more across the country.

  • The investments were announced on April 14, 2026 by the UK's Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall.
  • The government's Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF) has now unlocked £600 million in total life sciences investments so far this year.

The players

Liz Kendall

The UK's Science and Technology Secretary, who announced the new life sciences investments.

Zubir Ahmed

The UK's Health Innovation and Safety Minister, who commented on the importance of these investments for providing patients access to cutting-edge medicines.

Accord Healthcare

One of the largest suppliers of oncology and chemotherapy medicines in Europe, investing £45 million to boost production at its Barnstaple site.

University of Birmingham

Investing £10 million to establish a new biomanufacturing facility through its Precision Health Technologies Accelerator, accelerating the development of advanced therapies.

Codis

Committing to invest in a new spray-drying facility in Haverhill, Suffolk to support the production of next-generation medicines.

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What they’re saying

“By manufacturing more medicines in this country we can make sure more people get the vital treatments they need. These investments will make a real difference to people across the country and show our Life Sciences Sector Plan is bearing fruit.”

— Liz Kendall, Science and Technology Secretary

“I have seen first-hand the difference latest treatments can make to a patient's life. These investments mean more people living with conditions like bipolar disorder will benefit from cutting-edge medicines - developed and manufactured right here in Britain.”

— Zubir Ahmed, Health Innovation and Safety Minister

“The LSIMF grant has helped to unlock new investment in our Barnstaple site which remains a strategic asset to the UK, providing 9% of all NHS medicines.”

— Paul Tredwell, Chief Executive Officer, Accord

“The UK, and particularly the West Midlands, urgently needs GMP cleanroom facilities to support the production of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products and vaccines, including cell therapies and mRNA vaccines, as well as medicines for clinical trials. This new investment will allow us to achieve our point-of-care manufacturing ambitions, ensuring patients get access to the latest, most innovative medicines.”

— Professor Gino Martini, Chief Executive Officer, PHTA

“This milestone marks the next phase in Codis' evolution as a global leader in spray drying and ASD. The PSD4 significantly expands our ASD capacity and gives customers dedicated commercial‑scale throughput to bring more life‑changing medicines to market.”

— Nicolas Fortin, Chief Executive Officer, Codis

What’s next

The government is also announcing a new Life Sciences Large Investment Portfolio scheme, which will work with companies prepared to invest over £250 million in life sciences projects. This will offer Trusted Trader status, streamlined applications, and sustained engagement with UK Ministers to further strengthen life sciences investment in the country.

The takeaway

These investments demonstrate the UK government's commitment to bolstering the country's life sciences sector and ensuring patients have reliable access to critical medicines. By supporting regional life sciences clusters and advanced manufacturing capabilities, the government is positioning the UK as a global hub for innovation and a leader in the development and production of cutting-edge therapies.