Precision Medicine Catapult launches national network

Precision Medicine Catapult, the UK innovation centre for precision medicine, has launched a new Cambridge-centred national network.

To be headquartered at Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the network is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2016/17 and will allow the Catapult to partner with centres of excellence across the UK, covering the north of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and southern England.

Under the regional relationships in development, these centres are expected to play a significant role in accelerating and delivering on the vision of making the UK the most attractive place in the world in which to develop precision medicine tests and therapies.

This announcement coincided with the appointment of John McKinley as chief executive officer of the Precision Medicine Catapult this week.

The news has been welcomed by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), which represents innovative research-based biopharmaceutical companies across the UK.

Dr Virginia Acha, executive director for research, medical and innovation at the ABPI, said: "The Catapult can be the galvanising force to bring together many of the policies and investments made by industry, the charity sector, academia and government to the ultimate aim – an advancement in our understanding and treatment of disease."