UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the Association of Biotech Led Enterprise (ABLE) recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to encourage and develop collaboration between Indian life sciences organizations and the United Kingdom, in Bangalore. The 12-member UK delegation comprised prominent members from universities, healthcare companies, cancer research organisations and healthcare providers such as diagnostics and drug delivery systems.

British deputy high commissioner Ian Felton said, "Oncology is a key area of concern in the UK and in India. This mission is to firm up relations on some extremely innovative work in the area of oncology. UK-India joint innovation in the discovery and delivery of oncology will help to make this element of healthcare accessible and affordable to patients in both countries."

Dr PM Murali, president, ABLE said, "ABLE is pleased to be signing an MOU with UKTI for collaborating on a range of opportunities. Cancer represents one of the most challenging disease areas that require researchers and clinicians to work together at a global level. We recognize the importance of this delegation and appreciate its purpose."

The MoU will aim at combining UK's heritage and leadership in the area of healthcare and life sciences and India's emerging and thriving healthcare ecosystem to promote and develop the life sciences sector in both countries.

The delegation also participated in two roundtable discussions with other industry experts. The focus of the first roundtable was discovery research in cancer, IP and its effects, opportunities for licensing to Indian companies, diagnostics research and new biomarkers. The second roundtable focused on healthcare aspects such as medical technology companies, access to large hospitals and distributors in India.