If UK remains in EMA would supply of medicines be uninterrupted?
Prime Minister Theresa May said the government wants the country to remain in the European Medicines Agency (EMA) so the supply of medicines between the UK and Europe is uninterrupted after Brexit.
This would mean abiding by the rules of the EMA and making a financial contribution, and would ensure patient safety, she said.
Mrs May also said she wanted the UK and EU to work together in a far-reaching science and innovation pact.
Every month the UK sends 45m packs of medicines to the EU which sends 37m to the UK, according to chief executive of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry Mike Thompson.
Mr Thompson said co-operation on medicines regulation between the EU and UK is vital for patients at home and across Europe.
Research by the Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI) shows that of £5bn worth of health technology used in the NHS in 2016, £3.2bn came directly from the EU. The UK exports around £2bn of health technologies to the EU.
At present, products move seamlessly across the UK/EU border in complex supply chains, pointed out the association, but any disruption to this could pose a significant risk to patients if not properly managed.
Further information
Fierce Biotech: Prime Minister Theresa May calls for UK to stay in EMA after Brexit
Pharma Times: UK PM signals intent to remain with EMA