British Pharma Group Warns of Devastating Consequences on UK-Based Pharmaceutical Industry

The British Pharma Group, representing AstraZeneca, GlaxoWellcome, and SmithKline Beecham, has expressed deep concerns over the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommending the ban of Relenza from the NHS. This decision, the group argues, will have far-reaching consequences for the future of the British-based pharmaceutical industry. The group has been vocal about the potential impact of NICE's activities, warning that it could send "deeply damaging signals about the future rewards for innovation." The landmark ruling on Relenza has validated these concerns, and the group is now urging the government to take swift action to address the issue.

Key Takeaways:

• The British Pharma Group has expressed deep concerns over NICE's recommendation to ban Relenza from the NHS, citing devastating consequences for the UK-based pharmaceutical industry.
• The group had previously warned about the implications of NICE's activities, stating that it could send "deeply damaging signals about the future rewards for innovation."
• The emergence of NICE as a new obstacle to market entry could wipe out a key element of the UK's competitive advantage in the global pharmaceutical industry.
• The group argues that any savings from restricting access to new medicines will be insignificant compared to the potential loss of international standing in the pharmaceutical industry.
• The government must act swiftly to limit and repair the damage caused by NICE's actions, including meeting with the group to discuss concerns and the way forward.
• The British Pharma Group represents AstraZeneca, GlaxoWellcome, and SmithKline Beecham, which are among the largest UK-based pharmaceutical companies.

Statistics:

• The UK-based pharmaceutical industry is second only to the US industry in terms of innovation.
• The industry brings in significant benefits to patients, the NHS, the UK economy, and the balance of trade.
• The UK economy benefits from the industry with £4.45 billion in tax revenues and £1.7 billion in employment benefits in 1998 (Source: Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry).
• The industry's success is largely due to the ability to launch new medicines in the UK as soon as they demonstrate quality, safety, and efficacy.

Sources:

• Letter from Dr. Tom McKillop, Chairman of the British Pharma Group, to Prime Minister (undated, but mentioned in article in the Financial Times, 1999).

Note: The article does not provide an explicit date, but the Financial Times article is copyrighted 1999.