ABPI launches UK plan to boost in vivo skills

A joint report from the Biosciences Federation and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry has proposed the launch of an action plan to encourage students to develop skills in animal research. The study, titled: In vivo sciences in the UK: sustaining the supply of skills in the 21st century, argues that, as well as helping the UK maintain its leadership in drug R&D, such skills are essential in reducing, refining and replacing animals in future research.

The action plan is necessary because of a growing difficulty in finding staff with appropriate in vivo skills, the ABPI says. It calls for measures to raise student interest in developing such knowledge as well as a joint drive to provide employer-focused postgraduate degrees.

Richard Barker, the ABPI's director general, said: "the future of medicines development in this country depends to a large extent on having people with the right in vivo skills. Significant progress has already been made through joint public and private sector working, and we all need to work in partnership so that the UK can retain its historical strengths in this area."