EMA’s relocation should be reviewed as early as possible

In an open letter, from the pharmaceutical industry heads of research and EFPIA, the deliberations on the European Medicines Agency's (EMA's) future location should be conducted as early as possible, preferentially at a meeting in June.

Currently located in London, concerns were raised in the letter over potential disruptions to fundamental activities and operations of the agency as a result of the UK’s exit from Europe. Despite Britain fighting to try to keep at least some part of the European agency, it seems to be unfeasible to Brussels that London continues as the location for a European body once the UK exits the EU.

The letter stated: “The smooth operation of the Agency relies on its ability to mobilise effectively the diverse and readily-available scientific expertise required for its effective functioning from all across the entirety of EU Member States. Moreover, with a view to ensuring that EU regulatory procedures continue to function as designed and, at the same time, guaranteeing that the EMA’s scientific committees continue to operate at the same, irrefutably high standards, the Council’s deliberations on the Agency’s future location need to be conducted on the basis of very essential criteria and put for decision as early on as possible, preferably at its meeting in June this year.”

Some essential requirements to consider in the decision-making process for the EMA’s new location were highlighted in the open letter. These included connectivity, excellent transport links, building capacity, retention of highly competent staff and access for housing, schooling and employment opportunities for the staff and their families.

Furthermore, it was asserted that a rapid resolution of the future location of the EMA is imperative to ensure the quality of work and future of the agency itself is not put into jeopardy.

As specified in the letter: “It is vital for the benefit of patients in Europe that the system — ‘this well-oiled machinery’ — continues to function with the current level of internationally-acknowledged efficiency, and that this is taken into account when the decision regarding the location of the EMA will be taken by common agreement between the representatives of Member States, in an intergovernmental setting. To mitigate the risks, appropriate transition arrangements need to be in place to allow the Agency’s work to continue whilst an orderly transfer of location takes place.”

The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) represents the pharmaceutical industry operating in Europe, with a direct membership of 33 national associations and 40 pharmaceutical companies.