December 2022
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This conference focused on priorities for medicines access, supply and innovation.
It took place against the backdrop of challenges being experienced in obtaining materials, disruptions in distribution due to the conflict in Europe, and high energy costs. We expect discussion on lessons learnt from overcoming recent shortages of HRT, and options for mitigating future shortages and ensuring continuity of patient care.
With the current Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access (VPAS) soon coming to an end and the scheme being renegotiated for 2024, attendees assessed priorities for improving patient access to medicines and innovation - as well as strategic options for increasing the attractiveness of the UK as a place to invest in manufacturing.
Further sessions assessed the way forward for developing a leading biosimilars industry in the UK following updated and streamlined regulation by the MHRA, and the opportunities presented by increased focus and utilisation of real-world evidence in assessments.
Overall, areas for discussion included:
- supply: tackling challenges with sourcing materials and distributing medicines resulting from the pandemic, Brexit, conflict in Europe and other factors
- medicine shortages: examining key causes - lessons from HRT shortages - options for mitigating potential issues - continuity of patient care
- patient access: the landscape for VPAS - attracting investment for manufacturing in the UK - improving patient experience and access to innovative technologies
- biosimilars: next steps for the sector following MHRA regulatory streamlining - the outlook for utilising real-world evidence
- research and innovation: improving uptake, value and affordability - latest thinking in overcoming potential challenges around reproducing future medicines that utilise new technology
- policy: assessing the life sciences policy landscape in relation to population health medicines - priorities for the government under new leadership
We are pleased to have been able include keynote sessions with Mark Samuels, Chief Executive, British Generic Manufacturers Association; Diane DiGangi Trench, Country Head and General Manager, Sandoz UK; and Professor Zaheer-Ud-Din Babar, Director of the Centre of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice Research, University of Huddersfield.
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from MHRA; DHSC; Department of Health, Ireland; GLD; and the OLS.
