London's status as a leading centre for the life sciences, financial and digital industries has attracted significant new investment by two leading US companies, announced today as Mayor of London Boris Johnson visited Boston as part of a trade delegation to the East Coast of the USA.
Gilead Sciences, a Fortune 500 US biotechnology company, is deepening its UK presence with a new commercial HQ in the heart of London from which to grow the company's portfolio, which includes treatments for HIV/Aids, liver diseases, serious respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The company's presence in London will foster closer partnerships with clinicians, patient groups and National Health Service and government organisations, as Gilead continues its efforts to broaden access to innovative medicines.
The new London headquarters and expansions of its international operations in Uxbridge and UK research and development headquarters in Cambridge represent an increased investment in the UK of $19.6m and a doubling of Gilead's UK workforce from 2013 to end-2015, with 400 out of 600 UK employees based in London.
Gilead is joined in London by Boston-based Mobiquity Inc, a mobile engagement company with clients including Pfizer, Merck, AbbVie and Weight Watchers. Attracted by London's strengths in digital health, Mobiquity is basing its $20 million European HQ in the city. Early projects will include working with Pfizer to develop digital technologies that enable people to manage their own health, a key focus for the UK's National Health Service.
The new investment follows recent announcements by healthcare companies including Merck and Pfizer that they will establish or expand operations in London.
Welcoming the news on during his trade delegation to the US East Coast to strengthen economic and cultural ties between London and the United States, Mayor Boris Johnson said:
"London and Boston are two of the greatest scientific cities on the planet and our phenomenal research institutions are collaborating closely to help spur the discovery of new treatments to tackle disease. Gilead and Mobiquity's moves to London further underline the growing importance of the life sciences industry in the UK as we look to ensure that this crucial sector becomes a key contributor to the capital's growth and health."
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