UK signals desire for close post-Brexit relationship with EU

The UK government appears to be ready to take a more pragmatic stance on its post-Brexit approach to medicines regulation.

Writing in the Financial Times, health secretary Jeremy Hunt and business secretary Greg Clark said “the UK would like to find a way to continue to collaborate with the EU”.

Such a deal would both be “in the interests of public health and safety” and help protect the UK’s pharmaceutical industry, they added.

Although not yet official policy, it’s the clearest signal yet of the UK’s Brexit negotiating position as it concerns the pharmaceutical industry, and found praise from the sector.

ABPI chief executive Mike Thompson said: "This letter is a welcome recognition that the future of medicines regulation is a key priority for the government as we negotiate a new relationship with the EU.

"It also signals a readiness to take a pragmatic approach to Brexit negotiations that puts people’s health first. This is a great first step and we look forward to seeing more detail in the coming weeks and months.”

Regardless of the UK’s eventual pharma position, the EMA has been busy scenario planning on the assumption the country will no longer participate in its work or the European medicines regulatory system after 30 March 2019.

Before then location of the EMA after it leaves London is set to be decided in November this year, with the industry keen for a swift decision on the issue.