Following the outcome of the UK referendum on EU membership in 2016, the UK left the European Union, 31 January 2020.
Although there is still some uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the future relationship between the UK government and the European Union, we do expect the position to become clearer over the coming months.
Importantly, the UK and the 27 EU member states will remain on single market agreement terms until 31 December 2020. This transition period may also be extended, if both parties (EU and UK) agree, before 01 July 2020. The aforementioned agreement provides a “business as usual” environment, with current regulatory arrangements and requirements not changing for at least the next 11 months.
Whilst we recognise that there is still uncertainty around the eventual negotiated relationship and the subsequent impacts those negotiations may have, Client-Pharma has developed a number of contingency plans, in line with the principles of ICH Q9, and has identified the associated risks which may have had the potential to impact our supply to clients.
As a result, we have significantly enhanced our supply chain network within the European Union including dedicated warehousing, logistics, and contracted EMA QP’s, that will ensure the continuation of the current service levels received and respected by our clients.
Crucially, correspondence with numerous regulatory agencies (including MHRA, IGJ, HPRA, and EMA) has confirmed that Client-Pharma would be able to perform intra-EU shipments with its current licences, post-transition period, even if the UK leaves the single market in full on WTO terms. Client-Pharma’s Management Team is extremely confident that with our existing robust business processes, and the steps already taken in preparation, that the effects of Brexit on our partners will be nigh on negligible.
Further opportunities, currently under negotiation, include the addition of an EU site to Client-Pharma’s existing footprint (UK, USA and China) as well as capitalising on the company’s access to the services of UK and EU Qualified Persons.
In the interim, it is crucial to remember that Client-Pharma (regardless of the UK’s political and economic status) remains a world-class service provider, for the strategic sourcing and supply of comparator and commercial medicines for clinical trial use. Our expert team has over 90 years of experience in the provision of pharmaceuticals to research and development organisations. The company has provided well over 650 products, to more than 50 countries.
The knowledge, key relationships and industry expertise within Client-Pharma will continue to play a part; improving patients’ lives and by providing industry leading solutions for your clinical trial supply requirements and challenges.
