Tax Relief for Life Sciences
Funding for Life Sciences Businesses
Dating back to the 18th century, the UK has been a trailblazer for life sciences, responsible for many groundbreaking discoveries. The sector utilises the best of British innovation to confront the biggest healthcare challenges of our time – ageing populations, soaring research and development (R&D) costs, lifestyle diseases, worldwide pandemics, and antimicrobial resistance.Â
The field of life sciences is vast, covering everything from pharmaceuticals, biotech, and medtech to medical device manufacturing, botanical science, crop technologies, and healthcare technologies.Â
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how the UK’s pioneering and innovative solutions within life sciences are leading the way, spearheaded by technological advancements. Having produced the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine, the government is committed to supporting the life sciences sector as part of its strategy to grow the UK economy – the ÂŁ650 million “Life Sci for Growth” package, which includes up to ÂŁ48 million to fund scientific innovation to prepare for future health emergencies, is testament to this.Â
According to the Office for Life Sciences 2021 statistics, the sector within the life sciences industry with the highest proportion of sites and employment was the medical technology core sector accounting for 44% of sites and 40% of employment. From medical device engineers to manufacturers of plastic injection moulding, many of these businesses may be eligible for tax relief or grant funding for the work they do.Â
R&D in Life Sciences
R&D within the life sciences industry is part and parcel. This includes using digital technology to make a technological or scientific advancement in the field, such as pioneering vaccines and treatments or undergoing clinical trials and research using artificial intelligence. Â
R&D tax credits are a welcome financial boost for life sciences innovation, providing companies with a cash injection or corporation tax deduction for qualifying R&D projects. This tax incentive is a valuable source of funding for businesses, assisting with future business growth and enabling innovation funding. The good news is that even if projects aren’t successful, an attempt to seek an advance in the industry qualifies as R&D, and in the world of science and technology, or medical technology, there is an abundance of trial and error involved.Â
Projects that may qualify for R&D tax relief include:Â
Developing or improving experimental tests/protocols and disease models
Running clinical trials and other testing to adhere to regulations
Innovation involved in improving existing products; for example, extending shelf life or making packaging safer
Creating and utilising technology, such as robotics or automation, to improve manufacturing processes or create new ones
Software development
New methods of manufacturing and engineering medical devices to improve outcomes
Designing of plastic/injection moulding components
Advances in diagnostics using technology
Biotechnology – Using new materials or technology in medical equipment
Developing new or improved medical devices, compounds, or medicines
Biological screening and pharmacological testing
The advent of big data analytics, digital health, and other technological advances presents an overwhelming opportunity for UK businesses within life sciences to remain at the forefront of innovation globally.Â
How Can You Fund R&D in Life Sciences?
There are various forms of innovation funding available to enable life sciences R&D to take place, including grant funding and tax relief. 
Grants, usually nonrepayable, are awarded by funding bodies prior to any innovation taking place, whilst tax relief is a retrospective incentive claimable after the accounting period in which the R&D took place.  
Ryan’s Life Sciences Specialist
Megan Young, Consultant, R&D Technical Â
Megan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology and has a strong pharmaceutical background. Her knowledge and experience are invaluable in uncovering R&D for businesses within the science and medical sectors.Â
Megan’s work history includes working as a medical information specialist for a pharmaceutical company. She also has a Level 5 Certificate in Leadership and Management and is currently studying for her ATT/CTA Tax Pathway.Â
Your Innovation Funding Partner
Ryan’s tax managers and sector specialists offer expert industry insight and support life sciences businesses like yours to navigate the unparalleled technological advances within the industry and access HMRC tax relief and grants to fund revolutionary innovation and business growth.
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