From the Beatles to biologics – how Liverpool became a life science hotspot

Liverpool: There’s some exciting stuff happening in Liverpool’s life sciences scene. Bristol Myers Squibb is building a shiny new lab in Leasowe, and it’s a big deal. This £35 million facility is set to be 50% larger than their current labs and will bring in around 250 scientists. That’s more than double what they had eight years ago!

This new lab is part of a larger trend. Liverpool is becoming a major hub for life sciences in Europe, especially in vaccine development and infectious disease research. It’s pretty impressive, right?

Dr. Clare Rawlinson-Malone, who’s taking the lead at the Moreton site, mentioned how connecting with local universities is a game-changer. It helps with collaboration and finding new talent. The excitement around life sciences is growing, and it’s all about working together.

They’re also focusing on sustainability. Instead of using oil-based solvents, scientists are using enzymes to make drugs. It’s a smart move for the environment.

Going back to the 1960s, the Moreton site was already making waves by providing supplies for the first human clinical trials of a blood pressure drug. Fast forward to today, and the hope is that more biotech companies will set up shop in Liverpool, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.

Right now, there are 167 life science companies in the Liverpool area, employing over 6,000 people. And with plans for a life science investment zone, they expect to attract up to £800 million in investment over the next decade. That’s a lot of potential!

AstraZeneca is also in the mix, looking to expand its childhood vaccine factory in Speke. They’re in talks with the UK government about incentives to make this happen. If it goes through, it could be a huge boost for the area.

They’ve already built a new facility that’s just waiting to be filled with the latest technology for vaccine production. This could really help the UK be ready for future pandemics.

With all this investment, the Liverpool city region is aiming to create 8,000 new jobs. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

But it’s not just about the money. There’s a real sense of community and collaboration in Liverpool’s life sciences sector. The local government is keen to support these investments, and they’re working hard to make sure the area remains a top choice for life science companies.

Overall, Liverpool is on the rise as a life science hotspot, and it’s exciting to see how it all unfolds. The future looks bright for this vibrant city!