UK-Texas partnership opens up opportunities for healthcare sector

Healthcare organisations in Manchester are keen to exploit a new trans-Atlantic partnership announced this morning which could open up access to the world’s biggest medical complex.

The Department for International Trade and the Texas Medical Center (TMC) have agreed a significant research and innovation partnership in a ‘BioBridge’ collaboration.

TMC is home to 61 world-leading innovators, including the US’ leading cancer hospital, and will now offer UK companies a unique package which will help boost exports and drive forward scientific innovation.

The partnership will allow for increased collaboration on the development of medicine for a range of illnesses, including cancer.

Healthcare trusts in Manchester, Leeds and Cambridge are in talks with institutions based at the Houston site and will now look to formalise partnerships.

Minister of State for the Department for International Trade, Baroness Fairhead, said: “The UK is a world leader in healthcare innovation, and this partnership is clear evidence of the opportunities that exist for our companies in exciting markets such as the US.

“Our recently launched Export Strategy will help even more British life sciences companies to reach new markets – bringing together some of the brightest minds in science to advance the availability of innovative healthcare across the globe.”

President and chief executive of TMC, William McKeon, said: “This truly unique collaboration is a testament to the Texas Medical Center’s and the United Kingdom’s joint commitment to further fostering the cross-pollination of ideas, people, and innovation in the life sciences.

“We believe this new relationship will serve to create a tactical alliance between TMC and a nation that has been at the forefront of substantial medical innovation for centuries.”

The collaboration is also a step forward for the TMC’s research programme as they look to harness the UK’s world-renowned research and development capability.

Three UK companies have already made use of the BioBridge.

Paxman Scalp Cooling, a Huddersfield firm which specialises in cooling therapies to help breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, have set up a subsidiary in Houston gaining traction due the entrepreneurial attitude of chief executive Richard Paxman.

SurePulse Medical, from Derby, and High Wycombe-based FirstKind are both companies in the initial stages of engagement with TMC ahead of major presentations to hundreds of investors, industry leaders and hospitals at ‘Demonstration Days’ in Texas.

Former Government chief scientist, and current chief executive of UK Research and Innovation, Sir Mark Walport, said: “This unique opportunity will prove to be a valuable asset to UK and US healthcare professionals who are working tirelessly on the advancement of medical treatments for people all over the world.

“With the recognition of the UK as a leader in research and development, I hope to see further collaboration between the Texas Medical Center and the UK in the near future.”