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.

COVID-19 is of no lesser importance to the UK medtech industry, but attention is now refocusing on Brexit, future regulation and trade deals.

Changes to how the UK plans to implement the supplementary protection certificate manufacturing waiver after it separates itself fully from the EU following the current Brexit transition period have been criticized by the generics industry, while originators have welcomed the move.

A new report says that a free trade deal complete with a pharmaceutical mutual recognition agreement is needed to mitigate the damage Brexit will inflict on the global competitiveness of both the UK and the EU.

The UK has formally withdrawn its ratification of the Unified Patent Court Agreement, adding to the uncertainty over its future.

The Northern Ireland Protocol brings added complexities that for medicines regulation in the UK, particularly in areas such as new drug approvals and batch release procedures.

The UK health care system is keen to reshape in light of the lessons learned from COVID-19, but it comes at a time when Brexit trade issues and device regulatory system changes are already muddying the waters.

The UK’s departure from the EU imposes a number of requirements on sponsors running EU trials, but it seems that many have still not taken steps to fall into line. 

Emer Cooke seems set to take over as head of the European Medicines Agency – one of the world's most powerful regulatory bodies – before the end of the year. We report on the reaction of a range of pharmaceutical sector stakeholders to her nomination.