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Written evidence published on the impact Brexit may have on the pharma industry

Written evidence has been published by the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, suggesting the impact Brexit may have on the pharmaceutical industry.

This evidence has been published ahead of a public session that will take place today (Tuesday 5 December), where the committee will question witnesses from the pharma industry, including the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (APBI) and Janssen Pharmaceutical.

The written evidence was provided to the committee by 19 various associations and companies from the pharmaceutical industry. These were American Pharmaceutical Group, Association of British Healthcare Industries, AstraZeneca, British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA), British Medical Association, British Specialist Nutrition Association, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, GMB, Johnson & Johnson, Lilly UK, Merck, MSD, PAGB, Roche, STOPAIDS, ABPI and the BioIndustry Association, The Royal Society, Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) and Unite the Union.

“The evidence we have received suggests the impact of Brexit on the cost of medicines, investment in the UK and access to new and innovative research and products may be threatened by Brexit,” said Rachel Reeves MP, chair of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee. “There are serious concerns raised around the future regulation of pharmaceuticals, mutual recognition of medicines, and the prospect of damaging disruption to cross-EU drug supply chains.

“This is very concerning, with uncertainty risking the UK becoming a less desirable place for investment and development in a growing, productive industry,” she continued. “We are keen to examine the detail of these concerns and to hear from the industry what it wants from the Government to ensure the smoothest possible transition as we leave the EU.”

When speaking to the BBC, the ABPI said the inquiry was important. “The written evidence received by the committee highlights how regulatory cooperation, a frictionless system for trade and access to research funding, collaboration and talent, underpin the successful development and delivery of medicines.

“Evidence also shows that 45 million packs of medicines go from Britain to the EU every month and 37 million come the other way. With this whole system at stake, clarity on medicines regulation and trade is urgently required for all patients across Europe.”

As reported on the parliamentary website: The evidence session will consider how different scenarios relating to future customs and trading arrangements might affect the industry in the UK and consider what the government should be seeking to achieve in negotiations.

Tuesday 5 December 2017, Committee Room 6, Palace of Westminster

At 9.45 am

At 10.45 am

  • Mark Hicken, Managing Director UK & Ireland for Janssen, Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson and Johnson
  • Peter Ballard. Managing Director, Xiromed
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