The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has welcomed the Government’s proposal to publish the cost of medicines to the NHS on packs of those costing more than £20. Alison Clough, ABPI Acting CEO and Executive Director – Commercial UK, said:“We broadly welcome a scheme to ensure that patients and the public are more aware and informed of the cost of health care in the UK.”
Collaboration showcases research
A collaboration involving Queen’s University in Belfast has developed a blood analyser used in hospitals and war zones, The OPTI blood analyser, which was developed by Queen’s Professor AP de Silva, in collaboration with Optimedical Inc and AVL BioScience Corporation, Roswell GA, produces blood test results in less than 30 seconds, enabling rapid medical responses to be carried out. It is being used worldwide in GP surgeries, veterinary surgeries and hospital critical care units.
Industry is on the up
Britain’s £50 billion chemical and pharmaceutical industry continues to show solid growth in 2015. In the latest survey of its members by the Chemical Industries Association most companies predict they will increase sales in the next 12 months. Added to this, almost 40% of businesses will increase capital expenditure.