RPS calls for new industry approach to new medicine development in UK

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has underlined the need for a fresh approach to developing new types of tailored medicines and treatments in the UK.

A report from the organisation has called for a new covenant to be developed between the pharmaceutical industry and wider society – including the government – to accelerate and incentivise the development of such drugs.

Currently, the system is not set up to encourage or sufficiently reward the development of personalised therapies that can cure chronic illnesses rather than simply manage symptoms, while a lack of new classes of antibiotics coming to market is also causing problems.

As such, the RPS believes regulatory reform and new pathways for cross-disciplinary collaboration have become necessary.

Professor Jayne Lawrence, chief scientist at the RPS, said: "Unless we find a way to develop treatments that cure illnesses in months, rather than treat symptoms for years, we will not see the breakthroughs that both scientists and patients want."

The organisation is the professional body for pharmacists and pharmacy in England, Scotland and Wales, and has been in operation since 1841.