Shire becomes full member of ABPI

Shire has joined the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) as a full member.

The company, which operates a fast-growing UK division, is becoming a member of the industry body in order to play a more prominent role in the development and growth of the pharmaceuticals sector.

Following this announcement, Shire's vice-president and general manager for the UK international speciality business Nicola Massey will join the ABPI's board of management with immediate effect.

Representatives of the pharmaceutical company said: "We are looking forward to working with the ABPI and engaging with their wider membership on issues that are important to all of us, but most importantly to fight for the needs of our patients."

Shire focuses on the development of treatments for chronic symptomatic diseases such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ulcerative colitis, Hunter syndrome, Gaucher disease and Fabry disease.

According to its most recent financial report, it experienced year-on-year growth of 14 percent in the second quarter of 2012.