The Mayor of London Boris Johnson has confirmed the capital’s position as a leading centre for life science research and development on the second day of his US trade mission to drum up new business for the capital.

The Mayor has announced that two major American healthcare companies are joining the global rush to London by investing tens of millions of pounds in the city.

The announcement comes less than a year since he launched MedCity – an organisation that aims to help the life sciences industry in London and the greater south east of England to thrive.

It coincides with Boston company Mobiquity today announcing that they are investing £13m over the next two years in a new London base. The company, which specialises in mobile engagement, is moving to London to tap into the capital’s strengths in digital health and is currently working with Pfizer to deliver better patient outcomes by creating digital technologies that enable people to manage their own health.

In addition, Gilead Sciences, a Fortune 500 US biotechnology company, has also announced that it will create a new UK commercial headquarters in Holborn, alongside expanding its international operations in Uxbridge and UK research and development headquarters in Cambridge. The new London headquarters and expansions in Uxbridge and in Cambridge represent an increased investment of £13m and a doubling of Gilead’s UK workforce by the end of 2015 to 600, with 400 based in London. The company’s presence in London will foster closer partnerships with clinicians, patient groups and NHS and government organisations, as Gilead continues its efforts to broaden access to innovative medicines.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said:

“London and Boston are two of the greatest scientific cities on the planet and our phenomenal research institutions are collaborating closely to help spur the discovery of new treatments to tackle disease.  Gilead and Mobiquity’s moves to London further underline the growing importance of the life sciences industry in the UK as we look to ensure that this crucial sector becomes a key contributor to the capital’s growth and health.”