UK pharma and biotech welcome Brexit breakthrough, but with caveats

The news early Friday morning that Britain and the European Union had finally agreed that enough progress has been made in the Brexit talks for the UK to leave the EU, to move on to more detailed trade agreement discussions, was broadly welcomed by the pharma and biotech industry.

“The breakthrough on ‘sufficient progress’ reached between the UK and the EU this morning is a significant step forwards and one we warmly welcome," said the trade group the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.

The ABPI continued: “The progress made on citizens’ rights is particularly welcome news for pharmaceutical companies and our employees. To provide certainty to everyone, we hope this is swiftly agreed. As we now focus on phase two of the negotiations, it is now crucial that the regulation and supply of medicines for UK and EU patients is prioritized. A cooperation agreement between the UK and the EU on medicines is the best way to ensure that there is no disruption to 500 million patients receiving the medicines that they need. This breakthrough alongside a single-step fixed-term transition period that allows companies to make any necessary changes to the supply chain will be critical. Protecting public health in the UK and Europe must be a priority.”