bit.bio featured in European Medical Journal online
In a recent interview with the European Medical Journal (EMJ) conducted at the Human Cell Forum 2026, bit.bio Chairman Lord David Prior discusses the urgent need to shift healthcare from a reactive "sick care" model to a proactive "health care" system. Drawing on his extensive leadership experience, including his time as Chair of NHS England, he highlights the transformative potential of cell and gene therapies while addressing the structural challenges of cost and NHS reimbursement.
Lord Prior also explores the future of preclinical drug development, noting a growing industry consensus at the Human Cell Forum to move away from animal models. He explains how combining AI with consistent, defined and functional human cells, such as bit.bio's newly launched iPSC-derived hepatocytes, can significantly reduce drug development costs and accelerate the delivery of life-saving medicines.
"What struck me is the growing consensus that animal models are not sufficiently predictive to deliver successful clinical trials. As a result, there is a clear need to find alternatives, which are now beginning to emerge. The regulators, such as the FDA, EMA and the MHRA, are open to this and are providing clear guidance that they are willing to consider preclinical evidence that does not rely on animal models. I have been struck by the level of enthusiasm for this change, and I believe it will fundamentally change the drug discovery paradigm, making important medicines more widely available."
Lord David Gifford Leathes Prior
Chairman, bit.bio
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