Pharmaceuticals

North East England has a thriving pharmaceuticals sector that is supported by a wider, world-renowned life sciences offer.

Our highly developed scientific and engineering skills have attracted global pharmaceutical and biologics manufacturing companies, and we have some of the most recognised research, product development, testing and manufacturing facilities in the world.

Together with our outstanding capabilities in health research, digitalisation in manufacturing and smart packaging, the North East provides pharmaceutical companies with everything they need to grow.

Global pharmaceutical excellence

North East England has an established manufacturing sector including international pharmaceuticals manufacturers with deep sector knowledge and a global outlook. It is a highly efficient sector, which achieves its competitiveness through lean working practices, upskilling, reducing or mitigating costs, increasing quality and supply agility.

Large global pharmaceutical manufacturers located in the region including GSK, Organon, Accord Healthcare, Pharmaron, Quotient Sciences, Sterling Pharma Solutions, and Piramal.

The North East also has a thriving SME base working closely with industrial partners and academic institutions innovation assets in formulation, novel therapies and biologics.

They all innovate, develop, test and distribute life-saving medications across the globe and are aided by our stable, cost-competitive and productive workforce.

Our major strengths include high-potency manufacturing and continuous manufacturing, and we have pharmaceutical development capabilities in small molecule pharmaceuticals and expertise in biologics development and manufacture. We have companies operating in all areas of the drug development pipeline.

North East England has full capability in the pharmaceutical value chain, including pre-clinical drug discovery and development, clinical research and development, clinical trial management, pilot-scale manufacturing, full-scale pharmaceutical ingredient and intermediate manufacturing, as well as final product formulation, packaging and distribution.

Exceptional facilities and workforce

Our vibrant research and innovation community features world-leading life sciences companies, a research-active public health system and a strong research and clinical trials network.

The North East has a highly skilled talent pool, with nearly 9,500 people currently employed in life sciences and a further 110,000 in the wider manufacturing sector. The region is extremely well-connected by excellent rail, road, air and port networks that offer great export potential to the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.

Specialist pharmaceutical shipments flights are also available from Newcastle International Airport, ensuring products can be exported across the globe.

Supporting your move to the North East

Life sciences companies choosing to locate in North East England will benefit from a wide range of business support and cluster networks primed to offer guidance and advice across a range of topics. To support a smooth transition to the region, Invest North East England can provide a range of services, including property searches, data on skills and guidance on incentives, as well as making introductions to specialist networks that can offer guidance and links to potential customers, opportunities and R&D support.

Speak to our Pharmaceuticals Specialist

  • Please check box to confirm you agree with the terms of our privacy policy. View our privacy policy here
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Michelle Duggan
Inward Investment Manager
M: 07464 649 579

FOUR REASONS WHY...

7000+ life science employees7000+ life science employees
125+ life science graduate & postgraduate course125+ life science graduate & postgraduate course
Centres of excellence in Personalised Medicine, Digital Health, Advanced Therapies, Biopharma ManufacturingCentres of excellence in Personalised Medicine, Digital Health, Advanced Therapies, Biopharma Manufacturing
Exceptional facilities for R+D and science. Newcastle Helix, CPI, International Centre for Life, NET ParkExceptional facilities for R+D and science. Newcastle Helix, CPI, International Centre for Life, NET Park

Why Life Sciences companies choose to locate in North East England

Learn more about this sector

Related case study

QuantuMDx

QuantuMDx was founded in 2008 with the vision of democratising healthcare globally. The company’s flagship technology Q-POC™ is a handheld molecular diagnostic device that will provide results in less than 20 minutes for a few pounds at the patient’s side. It will empower overburdened healthcare systems worldwide with gold standard molecular diagnostics, at a fraction of the […] Read More

All related case studies

Latest News

Delivering the infrastructure for health and life sciences businesses to invest in North East England

By Michelle Duggan, Inward Investment Manager at Invest North East England. The health and life sciences sector plays a crucial role in shaping the global economy by promoting health and driving innovation. It also creates significant economic activity through healthcare services, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, and research and development. These industries create jobs, generate revenue, […]

Read More
All related news

Featured download

North East England Works

North East England is known as a thriving location for business investment. Our highly-skilled, flexible workforce, connectivity to global markets and low cost base are a powerful combination which is why sectors such as Advanced Manufacturing, Digital and Tech, Business Services, Energy and Life Sciences all continue to grow in the region.   Read More

All related downloads