Don't let Brexit break drug development cycle, say pharma bosses

Some of the most senior figures in UK pharma have applauded a commitment made by government ministers to seek a collaborative post-Brexit relationship between the UK and the European Union (EU).

They have submitted a letter to The Financial Times in response to one written earlier in the week by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Business Secretary Greg Clark, which showed a clear preference for the UK to have a close working relationship with the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

In their letter, the group of seven industry leaders, who make up the sector’s representatives on the Ministerial Industry Strategy Group, state: “It is critical for the UK and the EU to recognize that patient safety and public health throughout Europe rely on the current pan-European regulations and standards applying to the research, development, manufacture and supply of medicines.