Will Brexit negotiators manage to keep the UK in the EMA?
MPs have voted by the slimmest of margins (305 votes to 301) for Brexit negotiators to find a way of maintaining the UK’s role as an ‘active participant’ within the regulatory network operated by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Pharma and medtech have voiced concern about the prospect of leaving the EU in under a year’s time without a deal that smooths trade links and regulatory co-operation.
The government has confirmed it will make an ‘appropriate financial contribution’ for continued participation in the EMA’s regulatory activity.
There is heightened fear that the UK is heading for a no-deal Brexit that would imperil the future of the 45m packs of medicine that go from the UK to the EU every month and the 37m packs that come the other way.
The Parliamentary Health and Social Care Committee has also raised concerns about the implications of Brexit for the future of medical research and development without UK/EU collaboration.
Further information
Pharmafile: MPs vote to stay in EMA after Brexit
Pharmatimes: MPs vote for UK to remain part of EMA
Wilmington: NHS planning for ‘no deal’ Brexit