The EMA has published its analysis of the 19 bids to host the agency post-Brexit, which confirms reports that five cities – Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Milan and Vienna – would bring the best result in terms of retaining staff when it relocates. The agency has expressed concern that low retention rates could hit operations and result in lower fee income, requiring an injection of cash from the EU budget.

The European Medicines Agency says it could lose more than 70% of its staff if it moves to one of the cities least favored by current employees. In the worst-case scenario, the EMA says it would be unable to operate and that the regulatory system would “unravel.”

Pharmaceutical companies in the UK have again been asked to ensure they have contingency measures in place to deal with potential supply problems at channel ports – this time in preparation for the UK’s formal departure from the EU’s single market and customs union at the beginning of 2021. The industry is continuing to push for a mutual recognition agreement on drug regulation.