Norgine UK re-joins ABPI

Norgine has re-joined UK trade body the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), nine years after denouncing its approach to pricing negotiations.

The Netherlands-based firm resigned its ABPI membership in 2008 in protest over a perceived lack of representation for smaller, specialised pharmaceutical developers, taking particular issue with talks on the PPRS.

Speaking at the time, Norgine chief operating officer Peter Martin said the company felt the ABPI's agenda had been “driven by the interests of its largest multinational members”.

This had, he added, “resulted in perverse consequences for those of us who are trying to help patients and their carers in more specialised niches, such as gastroenterology”.

Alongside gastroenterology, Norgine specialises in hepatology, oncology and pain management, and manufactures its medicines and medical devices in Hengoed, Wales, where it is the region's largest pharmaceutical manufacturing employer.

Announcing the firm's decision to return to the ABPI fold, Martin said: “The work of the ABPI is fundamental in ensuring that the interests of large and small pharmaceutical companies are well represented when leaving the EU and ultimately, to ensure that UK patients are not left behind when the rest of Europe are accessing new treatments.”

The company also has offices in Harefield, England, where it shares joint responsibility for Norgine's global operations with its headquarters in Amsterdam.

ABPI chief executive Mike Thompson said: “These are exciting and challenging times for our industry - we look forward to working with all the staff at Norgine to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of helping patients prevent and overcome diseases.

“As we plan for life outside the European Union and address the opportunities within the government's Industrial Strategy, having Norgine's support, with their heritage of adapting and responding to challenges together with their focus on innovation and partnership, comes at an opportune time.”