Novartis expresses concerns over no-deal Brexit

Novartis on Friday called for the UK to take additional steps to ensure that drug supplies are not disrupted if the country leaves the EU without an exit agreement. The company stated "divergence from the close regulatory and legal cooperation that exists today between the UK and the EU has far-reaching implications for the way the life sciences sector operates and its ability to develop and deliver medicines for UK patients." Novartis said it "is continuing to execute contingency plans and make all preparations possible to ensure continuity of supply."  

Novartis specifically urged the UK to create a comprehensive continuity plan that includes relevant departments in addition to the Department of Health and Social Care and the NHS to ensure drugs are available for patients if no exit agreement is reached. The company said the plan should clarify customs arrangements both to and from Europe and limit disruption at our borders. 

The Swiss drugmaker additionally called for NHS trusts and pharmacists to follow the government's recommendation to not stockpile drugs to ensure that supply can be managed centrally, thus lowering the risk of drug shortages. 

The news comes after industry groups urged the UK to agree to certain actions to protect patients after Parliament rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit withdrawal agreement. The UK government also warned last month that the absence of an exit agreement could hamper access at ports for up to six months, thereby potentially reducing drug supply.  

The UK's Department of Health and Social Care has additionally recommended that drugmakers stockpile at least six weeks' worth of drugs in preparation for Brexit. Previously, Novartis, as well as Sanofi, has disclosed plans to increase medicine stockpiles, with AstraZeneca announcing a similar move. 

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