ABPI and OBN sign Memorandum of Understanding

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) is to work with OBN, the membership organisation that brings together the UK’s emerging life sciences companies, corporate partners and investors, to look for partnership initiatives that will help to build a better public profile and understanding of all biosciences.

The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding and the relationship may include representing the interests of OBN’s membership within ABPI advocacy approaches, as well as training opportunities and events, particularly in the R&D arena.

Stephen Whitehead, CEO of the ABPI, which represents research-based biopharmaceutical companies in the UK, said: 'This MoU is an exciting collaboration between two organisations that represent companies working across the whole life sciences environment and provides us with the opportunity to deliver some innovative joint activities for the benefit of members and the wider health economy.'

Jon Rees, CEO of OBN, added: 'OBN is keen to partner non-exclusively with other leading associations to further our members’ interests.

'As our membership has grown substantially –now over 350 companies – we have expanded our activities and engage with government over issues that are having an impact on the growth of our member companies.

'We welcome the opportunity to work with the ABPI within its smaller companies’ environment initiative and beyond.

'By combining the interests of innovative R&D and large pharma companies, our collaboration adds weight to the voice of emerging companies with key stakeholders.'