UK could maintain EMA membership after Brexit
"...it is vital for both the UK and EU that there is cooperation on animal medicines innovation, safety, regulation, access and supply.”
The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) has welcomed assurances that the UK should continue to have a close relationship with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) after Brexit.
During her Mansion House address, Theresa May said the government will explore how the UK can remain part of certain EU agencies, including the EMA.
She explained: “…membership of the European Medicines Agency would mean investment in new innovative medicines getting to patients faster as firms prioritise larger markets when they start the lengthy process of seeking authorisations.
“But it would also be good for the EU because the UK regulator assesses more new medicines than any other member state. And the EU would continue to access the expertise of the UK’s world-leading universities.”
Commenting, NOAH chief executive Dawn Howard said: “NOAH welcomes Theresa May’s confirmation that we should have a close relationship with the European Medicines Agency (EMA), with ongoing dialogue between regulators and the progressive proposal that the UK would become an EMA associate member.
“Animal medicines are equally subject to the stringent regulatory controls of their human counterparts, also regulated using the EMA, and it is vital for both the UK and EU that there is cooperation on animal medicines innovation, safety, regulation, access and supply.”
Mrs May also recognised that the UK “has among the highest environmental and animal welfare standards of any nation on earth”.
She added: “As we leave the EU we will uphold environmental standards and go further to protect our shared natural heritage. And I fully expect that our standards will remain at least as high as the EU’s. But it will be particularly important to secure flexibility here to ensure we can make the most of the opportunities presented by our withdrawal from the EU for our farmers and exporters.”
In response, Ms Howard added: “We also welcome the recognition of the excellent standards of welfare of the UK’s food producing animals, and the Prime Minister’s support for this into the future. NOAH members help ensure the health of UK’s food producing animals, a vital component of these excellent welfare standards.
“Key areas of concern have been recognised: our industry, like others, needs certainty, so we look forward to progress being made and seeing words transformed to action. We will continue to work closely with our members and stakeholders, to help ensure that we make Brexit as successful as we possibly can for the animal medicines industry.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
