No-deal Brexit could see EU patients miss out on cancer medication, says drugs firm AstraZeneca
Anglo-Swedish firm has research headquarters in Cambridge and manufactures medicines for treating cancer, heart and lung problems
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Your support makes all the difference.A no-deal Brexit could mean patients in the EU will not be able to receive medicines from the UK, a pharmaceutical giant has said.
AstraZeneca warned patients might miss out on drugs if the company does not “prepare well” for the possibility of a no deal.
The company, which has its research headquarters in Cambridge, manufactures medicines for treating cancer, heart and lung problems.
It was carrying out tests in both the UK and EU as it prepares for “the strongest Brexit scenario, “ the company’s director of market access and external affairs, Ad Antonisse, said.
“If we do not prepare well for Brexit, patients in the EU may no longer be able to receive their medicines. Just because production happens to happen in the United Kingdom,” Mr Antonisse, told the Dutch government Brexit-loket site.
“Science is simply an international playing field.”
The Anglo-Swedish firm focuses on developing treatments for cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and respiratory issues.
“These are serious diseases and you do not want Brexit to have a problem with delivery to the patient,” Mr Antonisse said.
Last month, the new health and social care secretary admitted officials were considering working with industry to stockpile drugs, medical devices and supplies in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Matt Hancock said he was “confident” a deal could be reached but said it was “responsible” to prepare for a range of outcomes.
This includes working up options with industry to stockpile medical supplies if a deal cannot be reached, Mr Hancock told the Health Select Committee on 24 July.
He said: “We are working right across Government to ensure that the health sector and the industry are prepared and that people’s health will be safeguarded in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
“This includes the chain of medical supplies, vaccines, medical devices, clinical consumables, blood products.
“And I have asked the department to work up options for stockpiling by industry.
“We are working with industry for the potential need for stockpiling in the event of a no-deal Brexit.”
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