Understanding the difference between biotechnology and pharmaceutical insurance
Understanding the difference between Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals is key for insurers. This will determine the level of risk. Pharmaceuticals include drugs that can be manufactured under the right conditions with good manufacturing practices. Whereas biotechnology is based on the concept of altering a persons cells or using cells to fight symptoms of an illness or injury, this is laboratory-based practice under the right conditions. Pharmaceutical businesses can sign up to the GMP (good manufacturing practices) which will help them to limit their risks as well as be seen favourably in the industry. Biotechnology companies can do the same for the GLP (good laboratory practices).
With pressure growing for businesses to eke out efficiency and reduce costs in order to produce their drugs, or engineer microorganisms or cells for as cheap as possible, it is important that mistakes are kept to a minimum, as in such an industry they can be very dangerous. It is key that the pharmaceutical or biotech insurance chosen is tailored to the exact needs, and at ADF insurance brokers we pride ourselves on being able to meet the requirements of our clients.
We are able to offer a wide range of insurance for pharmaceutical companies to protect and ensure they are able to continue to push the boundaries of medical science and benefit lives. It is important to us that we are able to aid in the provision of biotech insurance and pharmaceutical cover by protecting businesses from any possible risks and dangers.
The pharmaceutical industry in the UK is an ever-developing industry with advancing techniques and practices. The industry never stays still with research continually being done in order to advance the drugs that are available in the UK. The UK is ranked the 8th largest pharmaceutical market in the world in terms of value and one of the leading in terms of growth as of 2013 (http://www.abpi.org.uk/industry-info/knowledge-hub/global-industry/Pages/industry-market-.aspx). As a result, any start-ups looking to enter this industry will not only need help but will need protection, in order for them to remain not only diverse and different but to be sustainable and long-lasting in such as competitive market. We aim to aid and help in the sustainability of such businesses as we know how the impact small businesses can have in changing and improving the market.
Risks the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries face- insurance to protect from these risks:
- Cyber security and information gathered from trials- Cyber insurance would protect against litigation should a claim arise from data being lost or stolen, this is particularly prominent for the biotechnology industry where data on individual patients is likely to be kept.
- Intellectual property theft of a certain product or process- Intellectual property insurance will cover the cost of litigation should you infringe on intellectual property or somebody infringe on yours.
- None compliance to strict guidelines and industry regulations- Product liability would be able to protect the business from the cost of none compliant practices.
- When testing a new product- Clinical trials insurance, would be necessary to compensate an individual testing the product should a claim arise as a result of injury. This is only relevant to human trials.
- When selling a product- you will need to protect the business should an issue occur with the product you are selling, it will cover the cost of a claim brought against you by the public should the product you provide be faulty, dangerous, or not fit for use.
- Theft of machinery or breakdown- We have the facilities in place to cover this.
- Wrong doing by a director or officer- We have the capacity to provide directors and officers liability insurance should you feel you need it.