Facts, figures and industry data
Headline pharmaceutical industry statistics
The figures below provide a snapshot of key biopharmaceutical sector statistics relating to the UK’s economy and health systems. Sub-national statistics can be found via the ABPI’s interactive Pharma Impact Map. International comparisons are available in several of the source documents and within the Government’s Life Sciences Competitiveness Indicators publication. Statistics on the economic and health system benefits which can be delivered through a supportive policy environment are available in the ABPI’s manifesto.
Economic statistics
Health system statistics
References:
[1] ONS, ‘Regional gross value added (balanced) by industry: all ITL regions’, 2021. Methodology available at: https://sector-insights-map.abpi.org.uk/sources/
[2] ONS 'Business enterprise research and development UK: 2024', Dec 2025
[3] ONS 'Business enterprise research and development UK: 2024', Dec 2025
[4] ONS, ‘Industry Census Data 2021’, available at: www.ons.gov.uk/datasets/TS060/editions/2021/versions/1 (methodology available at https://sector-insights-map.abpi.org.uk/sources
[5] OLS, ‘Bioscience and health technology sector statistics 2021 to 2022’, May 2024
[6] OLS, ‘Bioscience and health technology sector statistics 2021 to 2022’, May 2024
[7] ONS, Trade in Goods: Country-by-commodity exports, accessed 12 June 2025
[8] ABPI, The value of industry clinical trials to the UK, extended report, 02 Dec 2024
[9] Frontier Economics, ‘The value of industry clinical trials to the UK - extended report', Dec 2024
[10] IQVIA, Drug Expenditure Dynamics 2000–2022, October 2025
[11] ABPI, ‘UK industry clinical trials: Translating actions into impact', Dec 2025
[12] ABPI, ‘UK industry clinical trials: Translating actions into impact', Dec 2025
[13] OLS, Life sciences sector data, 2024 - GOV.UK, July 2024
Industry data
Cancer survival in the UK has improved over recent years, with more people living five years or more with the disease than ever before. However, despite this progress, cancer remains one of the UK’s leading causes of death. More can be done to improve cancer outcomes for those affected. By looking at how the UK compares to other European countries, we can begin to consider how this can be achieved.
An interactive report using anonymised data to analyse trends in collaborations between industry and academic institutions.
Medicines bring huge value to NHS patients. The development of new medicines is uncertain, costly, and involves significant rates of failure. The pharmaceutical industry spends $160 billion per year on research and development.