The European Medicines Agency, located in London, should be relocated. Sweden and Denmark are candidates.
It is now official: the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union. Among the many points to settle, the multiple treaties to be renegotiated, it will be necessary to wonder about the future of an institution: the European Medicines Agency (EMA), whose headquarters are currently located in London. But not for long…
The problem seems very administrative, but it raises several practical questions. The EMA is responsible for evaluating health products (drugs, medical devices), and for issuing their marketing authorization in Europe – in France, its equivalent is the ANSM. With Brexit, the geographical location of the EMA becomes untenable.
“Complexity”
Aware of the stakes, the pharmaceutical industry mobilized strongly during the campaign in favor of “Remain”, with great reinforcements of disastrous arguments. In a column published in the Guardian, a hundred personalities from the sector expressed alarm at the consequences of a Brexit, which “would add complexity, which is bad for business and research”.
However, a move of the EMA should not be particularly burdensome, observers believe. However, it may take a little time. “There are many experts who work there with the status of international civil servant, it will not be relocated overnight,” said Claude Le Pen, health economist. In addition, it will be necessary to choose the place; there will be tensions and negotiations which can delay the deadlines ”.
France disqualified
In fact, the whole question is where the EMA will take up new residence. Sweden and Denmark have already applied; the two states are favorites to host the headquarters of the institution. “It is unlikely that traditional countries such as France or Germany will be designated, judge Claude Le Pen. France is in a very bad position because of the Mediator affair and the discrediting of French medical expertise that it has brought about ”.
In addition, France is losing influence within the EMA; his voice has not weighed very heavily in the negotiations for a few years. “Small Nordic countries that have proven themselves scientifically as well as ethics and integrity are more likely to host the headquarters.”
As for the United Kingdom, the country is also in danger of losing its influence in the EMA – if it decides to remain under the regulatory regime of Europe. According to the British press, the United Kingdom could indeed approach the American FDA (the Food and Drug Administration). However, this will considerably complicate access to drugs for the English, according to the signatories of the forum who predict delays in the marketing of drugs across the Channel.
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