A multi-million-pound investment is set to reshape the future of medicine production in North Devon, with hundreds of jobs supported and vital NHS treatments secured.
More than £45 million will be invested by Accord Healthcare into its Barnstaple facility as part of a wider package of private sector backing for the UK life sciences industry. The funding forms part of a national drive to expand domestic medicine manufacturing and improve access to treatments.
The announcement was made by Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall on Tuesday, April 14, as part of more than £80 million of new investment across the sector. The funding has been supported by the Government’s Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund and is expected to help deliver more than 500 jobs nationwide.
The Barnstaple site will use the investment to expand production of new treatments, including medicines for people living with bipolar disorder, while continuing its long-standing work in generic medicines.
The facility is one of the company’s key European hubs for manufacturing, testing and distribution, and plays a significant role in supplying medicines that account for 9% of all NHS prescriptions.
Science minister Lord Vallance said: “This more than £45 million investment by Accord is a significant vote of confidence in Barnstaple and North Devon’s vital role in the UK’s life sciences landscape.
“By expanding and strengthening production at this site, Accord is not only boosting jobs and skills, but also helping to secure the UK’s supply of medicines that make up 9% of all NHS prescriptions.”
He added: “The Barnstaple facility has a strong history in producing high-quality generic medicines, and this investment will build on that legacy by enabling the development and manufacture of new and innovative treatments, including medicines for people living with bipolar disorder.
“As one of Accord’s key European hubs for manufacturing, testing and distribution, the site plays an essential role both locally and nationally.”
Ms Kendall said the wider investment package would help ensure patients receive the treatments they need while supporting economic growth.
She said: “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.”
Health innovation and safety minister Dr Zubir Ahmed said the funding would help expand access to cutting-edge treatments.
He said: “These investments mean more people living with conditions like bipolar disorder will benefit from cutting-edge medicines – developed and manufactured right here in Britain.
“This is the Life Sciences Sector Plan and 10 Year Health Plan in action – giving confidence to medical innovators across the globe to deliver, scale and grow in the UK.”
Accord chief operating officer Paul Tredwell said the funding would strengthen the long-term future of the Barnstaple site.
He said: “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.
“The investment will enable the manufacture of two new innovative medicines, helping to secure the sustainability of the site and its broader contribution to UK health resilience.”
The Barnstaple investment forms part of a wider national programme aimed at strengthening regional life sciences clusters, supporting skilled jobs and improving resilience in the UK’s medicine supply chain.
