AZ and MSD increasing medicines stocks in Brexit preparation

AstraZeneca has confirmed it is working on increasing its medicine stocks by 20% in preparation for a possible no-deal Brexit, and the expected delays and disruption to product transportation between the UK and the EU that will ensue. They are also planning to set up identical labs on both sides of the continent to pre-empt the necessity for duplicate product testing.

MSD has said not only will they increase supplies to cover a 6 month period, they will also consider diverting their supply chains if post Brexit delivers trade barriers and the inevitable disruption to business. Around 82m patient packs are transported in both directions between the UK and the EU in any given month and products are developed in supply chains across the EU. MSD are considering asking patients to take more stock than they need just to be on the safe side.

MPs have voted for the government to make the UK’s continuing membership of the European Medicines Agency a key negotiating objective. The European Medicines Agency itself has suggested that supply shortages for some products is possible as many pharma companies are not sufficiently prepared for Brexit.