The votes are in... the EMA will be located in Amsterdam

The results of the vote for the relocation of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have been revealed, its new location will be Amsterdam. Here are some key industry responses…

Commenting on the decision, Mike Thompson, ABPI chief executive said: "Congratulations to Amsterdam, The Netherlands on their successful bid. Hosting the EMA is a singular honour for any city and we will do all we can to support the agency's smooth transition to its new home.

"Up to now the focus has inevitably been on the future location of the EMA. But today's decision marks the moment when attention should switch to how patient safety and effective public health can be maintained during this complex transition and into the future.

"We now urge both the UK and the EU to put patients first and acknowledge that securing a comprehensive agreement to cooperate on medicines safety, regulation and supply is an urgent negotiating priority."

BIA CEO Steve Bates commented: "London’s loss is Amsterdam’s gain. Today’s decision on the location of the European Medicines Agency means 1000 high quality jobs leaving the UK, disrupting 1000 families as a direct result of Brexit, with implications for thousands more. Businesses now need certainty. The best way to do this is by an early agreement to a transition timeframe and continued close regulatory co-operation. We must now ensure Brexit does not disrupt the safe supply of vital medicines to tens of millions of families in the EU 27 and the UK."