UK and Japan strengthen ties with gene therapy investment

GENE therapy development is set for a funding boost as the UK and Japan expand their trade partnership in the life sciences sector.

In the joint venture’s newest package, Orchard Therapeutics, a UK subsidiary of Japanese pharma giant Kyowa Kirin, has committed £11m (US$15m) to UK drug manufacturing.

Orchard develops Libmeldy, a gene therapy for the rare inherited disorder metachromatic leukodystrophy, which primarily affects children.

Meanwhile, British genomics firm Oxford Nanopore Technologies has agreed a long-term partnership with Japanese genetic testing provider Genesis Healthcare (ADAM Innovations). The collaboration will launch a pilot programme aimed at improving screening for rare diseases.

Long-standing collaboration

The UK and Japan have collaborated for more than three decades on science and technology research. Beyond life sciences, the two nations plan to support each in AI, semiconductor and fusion technology.

Last year, the two nations signed a memorandum of cooperation on fusion innovation. As part of this, Tokamak Energy struck a deal with Japan’s Furukawa Electric Group to establish a manufacturing base for superconducting magnets in Japan.

Under the latest trade package, the countries have launched three quantum technology research projects, spanning drug discoveries and secure communications.

Lord Vallance, science minister for the UK, said: “These announcements, covering life sciences, quantum and more, spotlight some of the key science-driven industries in which the UK and Japan are working together.

“The prizes on offer include new therapies for diseases that were previously considered untreatable and critical infrastructure for the digital age.”