Each week we highlight five things affecting the life sciences industry. Here’s the latest.
Significant UK investment in life sciences expected
- According to Fierce Biotech, the UK government aims to become a top three global life sciences economy by 2035, focusing on six specific areas including artificial intelligence-ready health data platforms, faster trial approvals and streamlined market access.
- Over £2 billion ($2.7 billion) will be invested in health data research, genomics, preclinical infrastructure and strategic partnerships with leading biopharma companies.
New clinical trials that ship cells from U.S. to China halted
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stopped new clinical trials that involve exporting American citizens’ living cells to China and other countries for genetic engineering, citing concerns over misuse of genetic data and lack of informed consent.
- Per Fierce Biotech, this action follows a final rule by the Department of Justice, which initially allowed U.S. companies to send biological samples overseas, including to companies partially owned by the Chinese government, under FDA-regulated trials.
Reconstructed CDC panel to reassess childhood vaccine schedule
- According to Endpoints News, the newly restructured Center for Disease Control and Prevention vaccine advisory panel will reassess the cumulative effects of the childhood vaccine schedule and review vaccines that haven’t been evaluated in over seven years.
- The panel will prioritize evidence-based medicine for vaccine recommendations, addressing safety concerns and potentially revising guidelines for vaccines like hepatitis B and MMR.
Strong year for medtech funding
- According to Medtech Dive, venture capital investments in medtech have surged, with $4.1 billion raised in the first quarter of 2025, the highest since 2022, positioning 2025 to be a strong year in medtech funding.
- Despite the increase in VC funding, the anticipated rise in medtech mergers and acquisitions has not materialized due to ongoing regulatory resistance and market turbulence.
Funding for AI surgery solutions
- A large pharmaceutical company has partnered with an AI company and a web services company to create the Polyphonic AI Fund for Surgery, offering up to $100,000 in grant funding and mentorship for AI technologies that improve surgical decision-making and efficiency.
- According to MedTech Dive, the fund targets AI model development, data engineering and AI governance, with a particular interest in soft tissue surgeries like colorectal, bariatric, thoracic, urology, gynecology and general surgery.
For more insights in life sciences, check out RSM’s industry outlook.
