Manufacturing
Once seen primarily as a market for imported generics, the UK is now building a stronger domestic base in production and supply. This shift matters. A robust manufacturing sector not only secures medicine availability against global shocks but also supports economic growth, skilled jobs and innovation in pharmaceutical processes. Around a quarter of the off-patent medicines used by the NHS are made in finished form here in the UK. More than 20 manufacturing facilities already operate across the UK, providing crucial investment and jobs nationwide.
Manufacturing support
A sizeable proportion of medicines are already manufactured in the UK, and there is scope to expand this further.
The government has recognised both the resilience and economic benefits of domestic manufacturing and has committed investment through the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF).
This capital grants programme aims to strengthen UK capacity in medicines, diagnostics and medical technologies by supporting businesses to invest in advanced manufacturing projects.
The off‑patent sector has already benefited, with investments channelled to companies such as Wockhardt, Piramal and Accord Healthcare – the largest volume supplier of medicines to the NHS.
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