GW received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category in recognition of its innovative and ground-breaking work in harnessing cannabinoid science. Since its inception in 1998, GW has led the way in improving the lives of patients and families worldwide through the development, manufacture and commercialisation of regulatory approved cannabis-based medicines to patients with significant unmet need. This work enabled GW to create the world’s first regulatory approved, plant-derived prescription cannabis-based medicines and, to this day, much of what is known about the medical uses of cannabis is attributed to GW.
Globally, GW has invested over £1.3 billion in the research, development and infrastructure needed to develop these innovative medicines: in the past five years alone, GW has invested £470 million in R&D and £114 million in manufacturing facilities in the UK. Following the acquisition of GW by Jazz in May 2021, the combined company is strongly committed to continuing the pioneering work that has been undertaken within the UK, with over 1,000 people now employed in the country, as it aims to bring new cannabis-based medicines to patients and their families.
Royal representatives, local dignitaries and representatives from the Department for International Trade attended the event as GW formally received the award, underlining the impact the Company has had on cannabinoid research and medicine and highlighting the positive effect GW has had on the local economy.
Mrs Julie Spence OBE QPM, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, said: “It was an enormous pleasure to present GW Pharmaceuticals with their Queens Award for Enterprise. These awards are only given to truly excellent companies and this award is testament to their extraordinary 23 year journey to getting two cannabinoid based medicines, which have the potential to improve the lives of patients and families, approved by medicines regulators. They have proved that seemingly insurmountable societal and scientific challenges can be overcome if you have a truly excellent and committed team and a belief in the science and its potential to make a difference. GW Pharmaceuticals is a thoroughly deserving recipient of the Queens Award for Enterprise in the innovation category.”
Chris Tovey, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Europe & International of Jazz, said: “We are honoured and immensely proud to have received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of our achievements in cannabinoid science and medicines. Receiving this prestigious award is validation for the past 23 years of passion and commitment to create the world's first regulatory approved plant-derived cannabis-based medicines.
"Started by our founders, and ably supported by all our employees, our work has resulted in the development of two medicines designed to improve the lives of thousands of patients and their families worldwide. I would like to thank everyone at GW for their hard work and dedication in helping us reach this achievement and establishing our world-leading position in cannabinoid science.”
He added: “It is exciting to continue this journey as part of the Jazz Pharmaceuticals family, and together we are building on this success by harnessing the strengths of both companies and further investing in our UK operations to bring new, innovative medicines to patients in need.”
Image: Chris Tovey receiving the Queen's Award from Mrs Julie Spence OBE QPM, HM Lord-Lieutant of Cambridgeshire