The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Dr Daniel Poulter)
Further to the written ministerial statement made on 13 July 2012, Official Report, columns 84-85WS, I am announcing today that the Government have decided to seek private sector investment in the Government-owned limited company, Plasma Resources UK Ltd (PRUK) through the sale of the majority or all of the shares in the company. We are taking this action to support the company and its employees in the next phase of the company’s development.
We have carefully examined the strategic options that will best allow the company—which includes the UK-based fractionation facility Bio Products Laboratory Limited (BPL) and the US-based plasma supply company, DCI Biologicals Inc—to grow and be successful in an established and highly competitive global industry. It should fulfil its potential as part of the strategically important bioscience sector of the UK economy. Our conclusion is that this route will best meet those requirements.
Patients will also benefit, as investment will not only allow continued improvements to the existing products but also the potential development of new treatments to create a better product portfolio. Resources will also be used to ensure that the facilities keep pace with the latest technology so the company can achieve its full potential. Overall, the investment will play a key part in ensuring the continued supply of high-quality products to patients.
Potential investors will need to show not just the level of resources they are willing to make available but also set out a credible plan as to how the operations will be grown and how products will be developed.