Record high for UK pharma exports, despite parallel trading concerns
UK pharmaceutical exports have reached a record high, and record export sums are being invested in the search for new medicines by the UK-based industry. The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) estimated the value of pharmaceutical exports for 2000 was a record £7.1bn, a 20% increase on 1999. The estimated positive balance of trade was £2.3bn, a 15% increase on the £2bn achieved in 1999.
Trevor Jones, director general of the ABPI, said, 'All these figures are indicative of a vibrant, flourishing industry, yet there remains many real concerns over the future environment of the research based industry in this country.'
These concerns include the impact of parallel importing on the trade figures, the continuing difficulties over the availability of treatment and the terror tactics of animal extremists, which could affect companies' willingness to invest in new research in the UK.
'The recent joint government industry taskforce achieved a great deal in tackling these issues, but more needs to be done if the UK based industry is to remain a linchpin of the country's economic needs,' Jones said.
'In particular, I remain concerned over the inroads that parallel importers are making into the industry's balance of trade. Imports are also at a record high of a projected £4.8bn, which is up 12%. Coming on top of the 24% increase in imports last year, this shows the seriousness of the situation.'
ABPI president, Bill Fullagar, said he welcomed the fact that the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is to undergo a fundamental review in the summer, and he stressed that the ABPI will take the opportunity to contribute and, in particular, to address the various industry concerns.
'While we accept the government's need for a system that will prioritise the use of NHS resources, I believe the present procedure is delaying access to new medicines, to the detriment of the NHS, patients and the pharmaceutical industry,' he said.