Drug industry leaders have warned the UK government that stockpiles of some drugs have been eroded by COVID-19, leaving supplies even more vulnerable if a no deal Brexit occurs.
In a briefing article prepared by various industry bodies, obtained by BBC News and reported by the BMJ, manufacturers said a surge in demand for medicines during the pandemic has left stocks depleted, particularly for drugs used in critical and respiratory care.
They warned that it would be difficult for manufacturers to build stocks for the end of this year in preparation for a possible no deal Brexit.
Industry is urging the government to move fast to stockpile critical drugs in advance of a possible second wave of COVID-19 and to strive to avoid a no deal Brexit given the risk of further disruption to drug supply chains.
In a statement sent to the BMJ, Warwick Smith, director general of the British Generic Manufacturers Association, said: “Working with the government and the NHS, industry met the huge surge in demand for intensive care drugs during the height of the pandemic. All European governments are now considering how to prepare for a possible second wave given highly depleted stocks, for example by stockpiling critical drugs in advance. We would support government initiatives of this type. But we must act quickly in the UK to ensure that we are not left behind.”
He added: “Manufacturers concentrated production on intensive care drugs during the pandemic, often switching manufacturing from other products. They will not, therefore, be able to build stocks for the end of this year as they did for the end of last and will need to work with the government on a range of measures to ensure supply.”
