The countries will also work together to encourage sustainable antimicrobial supply chains, supporting measures to tackle drivers on antimicrobial resistance.
The UK and Sweden have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) committing the countries to ongoing cooperation in the life sciences. The partners said that the purpose of the MoU is to promote cooperation across local, regional and national healthcare, research and innovation systems in support of life sciences. The areas of cooperation include antimicrobial resistance, sustainability in the life sciences sector, manufacturing processes, implementation of innovation, and genomics.
In the area of antimicrobial resistance, where the partners say they are recognised as international leaders in driving efforts to address the ‘silent pandemic,’ the countries will work together on research and development for novel antimicrobial treatments, preventatives and diagnostics, and share best practice to ensure access and responsible stewardship. The countries will also work together to encourage sustainable antimicrobial supply chains, supporting measures to tackle environmental drivers on antimicrobial resistance.
Across all areas, activities to support the collaboration include: design and implementation of standards to build data driven approaches in the life sciences sector; knowledge exchange in policies, strategies and market interventions; as well as evaluation and implementation of new technologies and treatments. Supporting this, a joint working group will be established to take forward implementation of this MoU, meeting at least every six months.
The MoU was signed on the 27 May 2022 at the residence of Swedish Ambassador in London, UK, and follows a long tradition of Swedish and UK cooperation, including work carried out by Anglo-Swedish company AstraZeneca in developing the coronavirus vaccine.