Pharmaceutical companies in the UK and the EU have joined together to warn that time is running out to avert shortages of medicines at the height of a covid-19 second wave this winter.

Representative bodies say urgent action is needed to ensure supplies continue to flow when the Brexit transition period comes to an end on 1^st January 2021, just 15 weeks away.

They warn drugs firms have been left ‘in the dark’ on critical areas including regulations on bringing medicines into the UK.

Each month 45 million packs of medicines move from the EU to the UK.

Manufacturers have already been told to stockpile six weeks of drugs in preparation for cross-border supply chains being affected.

However the British Medical Association said this was “incredibly concerning” ahead of what will be an “undoubtedly difficult” winter.

Under current arrangements, medicines undergo stringent quality and safety checks before they can leave the factory, which are valid across the EU.

But if the EU and the UK cannot agree a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) in which both sides accept the other’s tests, industry bodies warn having to re-test products could lead to delays of up to six weeks.

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) and European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations are calling on the UK and EU to sign an MRA even without a wider trade deal.

Richard Torbett, ABPI chief executive Richard Torbett said: “It is absolutely clear that it’s in nobody’s interest – and certainly not patients – to face the future with uncertainty around how medicines will be regulated, tested and moved throughout Europe and the UK.

“The UK government and European Commission have an opportunity to end this uncertainty and strengthen healthcare systems with an agreement on medicines whilst negotiations continue.”

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