About us
Medicines UK is the leading voice of the off-patent sector, representing the interests of manufacturers and suppliers of generic and biosimilar medicines and promoting the development of the industry in the United Kingdom. Generics, biosimilars and value-added medicines fulfil more than four out of five NHS patient prescriptions.
An introduction to Medicines UK
Medicines UK is the representative trade body for the off-patent industry, which fulfils approximately 85% of the prescription medicines used by NHS patients.
Without generic or biosimilar medicines, the NHS would simply be unsustainable, as the competition created by off-patent companies delivers annual savings of more than £20 billion. This means the UK benefits from the lowest medicine prices in Europe.
As well as savings, off-patent competition allows more patients to be treated, increasing access and often allowing earlier intervention in a treatment pathway.
Our sector
A key feature of the strong off-patent industry in the UK is that it introduces competition to the supply of prescription medicines, making them more affordable to the NHS and enhancing their availability to patients.
According to NHS figures, more than 1.2 billion items are prescribed generically every year.
More than four out of five NHS patient prescriptions are fulfilled by generics or biosimilars, and these essential medicines are vital for the safe and sustainable running of the healthcare system.
Off-patent medicines in the UK must comply with exactly the same standards of quality, safety and efficacy as all medicinal products. They are produced in plants regularly inspected by the UK medicines regulator, the MHRA. Just like originator products, once a generic medicine is sold on the market, it must be monitored by the manufacturer in case any adverse reactions are reported.
Our mission
Our industry's mission is centred around increasing patient access to life-saving and life-changing medicines. Working with supply chain partners in wholesale and pharmacy, we ensure the right patient can access the right medicine at the right time.
The off-patent industry in the UK is among the most efficient in the world. Competitive prices, targeted policy and proportionate regulation are required if the industry is to continue to deliver savings as well as fund the necessary development of more complex medicines, including biosimilars.
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