BIA CEO Steve Bates responds to the transition period agreement for Brexit and negotiating guidelines for phase two

Responding to the agreement today on a transition period for Brexit, BIA CEO, Steve Bates, said:

“We welcome that there has been political agreement on the transition period.  Both sides have negotiated pragmatically for a positive outcome for patients on both sides of the channel. The life sciences sector has repeatedly called for a transition period to enable companies to adapt to the significant challenges posed by a Brexit in March 2019. We will now be working closely with government and industry stakeholders to understand the detail of the agreement and how it applies to our sector and medicines."

Commenting on the publication of European Council negotiating guidelines for phase two, he added: “As negotiations move to the second phase, the guidelines have missed an opportunity to prioritise European patients in Phase Two.  It is vital that medicines regulation is a  priority for discussions to ensure public health and patient safety are not negatively affected by Brexit.”

Ends                     

Notes to editors:

Contact:

Ed Sexton, Communications and Media Relations Manager, BIA

[email protected]

02076302196

About the BIA                    

Established over 25 years ago at the infancy of biotechnology, the BioIndustry Association (BIA) is the trade association for innovative enterprises involved in UK bioscience. Members include emerging and more established bioscience companies; pharmaceutical companies; academic, research and philanthropic organisations; and service providers to the bioscience sector. The BIA represents the interests of its members to a broad section of stakeholders, from government and regulators to patient groups and the media. Our goal is to secure the UK's position as a global hub and as the best location for innovative research and commercialisation, enabling our world-leading research base to deliver healthcare solutions that can truly make a difference to people's lives.   

For further information, please go to www.bioindustry.org and twitter.com/BIA_UK