The UK has firmly established itself as a leader in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors, and is viewed as a core hub of global life sciences innovation.

The UK is home to some of the most respected universities, advanced research hubs, and well-funded start-ups in the world. The UK is highly regarded for developing new therapies and technologies that are redefining the future of healthcare.

From AI-led drug discoveries to immuno-oncology, and from synthetic biology to non-invasive diagnostics, UK biotech and pharmaceutical companies are tackling major health challenges head-on with agility, innovation, scientific excellence, and commercial ambition. This has resulted in the sector becoming a key leader of international collaboration and economic growth.

In this article, we will explore the top 15 UK biotech and pharmaceutical companies based on research conducted by Beauhurst and the difference between biotech and pharmaceutical companies. We will also explore the future of the sector and how GS Verde Group can help position your business for long-term success.

Understanding the Difference Between Biotech and Pharmaceutical Companies

• Biotech company: Biotech companies leverage biological processes, organisms, or systems to develop new products and services - particularly within medicine and healthcare. These may include drug discovery, gene therapy, regenerative medicine, and diagnostics, typically stemming from academic or research-led environments.
• Pharmaceutical company: The primary concern of pharmaceutical companies is to develop, manufacture, and commercialise medicines. While many pharmaceutical companies now integrate biotech processes into their pipelines, they tend to operate across later-stage development such as clinical trials, regulatory approval, and product distribution.

Although the two sectors are increasingly interconnected, the key distinction lies in how and where their innovation begins. Biotech companies are known for their agile models, while pharmaceutical companies are recognised for their global reach.

The UK's Leading Biotech and Pharmaceutical Companies

Here, we explore the top 15 UK biotech and pharmaceutical companies within specific fields:

Gene and Cell Therapy Trailblazers

• Bicycle Therapeutics: The Cambridgeshire-based company, a spinout from the University of Cambridge, develops precision medicines using proprietary bicyclic peptides for the treatment of cancer and other serious diseases. Founded in 2009, it has raised £673 million in equity funding.
• Immunocore: Founded in 1999 in the Vale of White Horse, Immunocore began as a University of Oxford spinout now specialising in T cell receptor (TCR) therapeutics for cancer, viral infections, and autoimmune diseases. It has attracted £410 million in equity.
• Verdiva Bio: Founded in 2024 and based in Guildford, Verdiva Bio develops cardiometabolic pharmaceuticals to address obesity and related metabolic disorders. In total, Verdiva has secured £335 million in equity.
• Orchard Therapeutics: Founded in 2015, the Hammersmith and Fulham-based business develops gene therapies for rare, life-threatening diseases. A spinout from University College London and the University of Manchester, Orchard has raised £221 million in equity.
• Spur Therapeutics: Spur Therapeutics, founded in 2015 and based in Stevenage, focuses on gene therapies for bleeding disorders. A spinout from University College London in 2016, the business has secured £233 million in equity.
• Gyroscope Therapeutics: Founded in 2016, Islington-based Gyroscope Therapeutics develops gene therapies to treat age-related macular degeneration. A spinout from the University of Cambridge, it raised £194 million in equity before being acquired by Novartis in 2022.
• Quell Therapeutics: Quell Therapeutics, founded in 2019 and based in Hammersmith and Fulham, develops T-regulatory (Treg) cell therapies to treat immune and inflammatory conditions. The King’s College London and UCL spinout has attracted £198 million in equity.

AI and Data-Led Drug Discovery

• Exscientia: Founded in 2012, Dundee-based Exscientia is a University of Dundee spinout and uses AI to design small molecule drugs at scale. Exscientia has raised £300 million in equity funding.
• BenevolentAI: Founded in 2013 and based in Camden, BenevolentAI combines machine learning and biomedical science to uncover novel drug targets. To date, it has secured £253 million in equity.

Targeted Therapies and Oncology Specialists

• Artios Pharma: Founded in 2015, the South Cambridgeshire-based business develops cancer treatments that target DNA Damage Response (DDR) pathways. Artios Pharma has attracted £245 million in equity across five rounds.
• Kymab: South Cambridgeshire-based Kymab, founded in 2009, develops monoclonal antibody therapeutics using its proprietary IntelliSelect® platform. The company has raised £225 million across eight fundraising rounds.
• Apollo Therapeutics: Cambridge-based Apollo Therapeutics, founded in 2015, is a joint spinout from UCL and the University of Cambridge. The business develops therapies for cancer, rare diseases, and inflammatory conditions, and has secured £221 million in equity.

Rare Disease and Neurodegenerative Therapy Innovators

• F2G: Salford-based F2G, founded in 1998, develops antifungal treatments for life-threatening invasive infections. F2G is a spinout from the University of Manchester and has secured £283 million across 11 fundraisings.
• TauRx Pharmaceuticals: TauRx Pharmaceuticals, founded in 2002 and located in Aberdeen, focuses on developing treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. A spinout from the University of Aberdeen, the business has secured £209 million in equity funding.
• Pulmocide: Pulmocide, founded in 2007 and based in the City of London, develops inhaled medicines to treat serious respiratory infections. Pulmocide has attracted £181 million in equity investment across nine funding rounds.

The Future of Biotech and Pharmaceutical Innovation in the UK

In the UK, biotech and pharmaceutical industries are undergoing a period of transformation, innovation and commercialisation. As we continue to see scientific advances and growth increase and public health priorities shift, there is also a demand for more effective, personalised and data-driven healthcare solutions.

There are various emerging trends that will shape the industry, including:

• A deeper focus on precision medicine based on genetic profiles.
• Greater adoption of AI and automation across drug development pipelines.
• Growth in biomanufacturing infrastructure for DNA, mRNA and biologics.
• Continued cross-border M&A activity, as global players seek innovation.

With the NHS offering clinical trial infrastructure, a vibrant research ecosystem, and supportive government frameworks, the UK is uniquely placed to lead the next phase of life sciences growth.

Expert Advice from GS Verde Group

With technology, AI and automation-driven tools enhancing the quality of operations across the sector, seeking expert advice is essential to help scale up your biotech and pharmaceutical businesses - along with attracting investments for future success.

GS Verde Group provides expert advice for businesses looking to scale up and enhance their operations. Whether you are exploring investment, acquisition, or expansion opportunities, GS Verde Group offers a ‘One Team’ approach that combines finance, tax, law and accountancy all under one roof.

As highlighted in Beauhurst’s article, it is crucial for businesses to keep up to date with trends and technological advancements to stay innovative. With GS Verde Group’s expertise, your business can navigate the ongoing developments of AI and thrive in the UK's biotech and pharmaceutical sector.

To read more, visit Top 15 Biotech & Pharmaceutical Companies in the UK