Pharmaceutical groups weigh in on UK parliament rejection of Brexit withdrawal agreement

Commenting on the UK parliament's decision Tuesday to vote down Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit withdrawal agreement, the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) urged negotiators to agree on certain actions that it says need to be taken in order to protect patients. "With the prospect of the UK leaving the EU in a disorderly manner on March 30, 2019, without a deal, there are very real, tangible and immediate threats to patient safety and public health in both the UK and across Europe," the group stated. 

The actions recommended by the EFPIA included the development of measures to recognise UK-based testing until it can be transferred to the EU. In addition, the industry group called for continued UK participation in key data-sharing platforms that protect public health and drug safety in Europe, in addition to discussions between relevant authorities and the sector to formulate contingency plans such as creating fast track lanes or priority routes for drugs through ports and airports.  

"We, along with many others in the healthcare community and across the life sciences sector, believe that an explicit commitment to securing long-term, extensive cooperation around the regulation of medicines and medical technologies is in the best interests of patients and public health," the EFPIA commented. 

Meanwhile, Mike Thompson, CEO of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), said "we reiterate that 'no deal' would prove to be extremely challenging." He added that "with time running out, we hope [the UK parliament] will come together and quickly find a solution to the stalemate and reassure patients that medicines will not be disrupted come March 2019."  

Thompson noted that the ABPI will continue to work closely with the government on no-deal planning.  

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