Better access.
Better health
Better health
Medicines UK represents the interests of
UK-based manufacturers and suppliers
of generic and biosimilar medicines. We
promote the development and understanding
of this vital sector which supplies four out of
five NHS prescription medicines and via
competition saves the NHS £18billion a year.
UK-based manufacturers and suppliers
of generic and biosimilar medicines. We
promote the development and understanding
of this vital sector which supplies four out of
five NHS prescription medicines and via
competition saves the NHS £18billion a year.
NEW Manifesto for
building a resilient UK
medicines industry
building a resilient UK
medicines industry
Policy recommendations for saving the NHS more money encouraging domestic growth and reducing shortages through maximising the UK generic and biosimilars market.
The financial risk to the
NHS of the VPAS levy
continuing to apply to branded
generics and biosimilars
NHS of the VPAS levy
continuing to apply to branded
generics and biosimilars
A new consulting report from The Office of Health Economics (OHE) and London School of Economics (LSE) on the risks of increasing the rebate rate on branded generics and biosimilars.
Strengthening the
resilience of the global
supply chain
resilience of the global
supply chain
Medicines UK calls for a coordinated industrial strategy to safeguard the supply of generic and biosimilar medicines in the UK.
Oxera study into the UK Generic medicines market
A new independent report by economics consultancy Oxera has underlined the critical importance of the UK generic medicines sector and how, via free competition, it provides sustained and significant savings to the NHS creating greater patient access..
We have a strong focus on quality
Medicines UK has launched a forum in conjunction with the MHRA to focus on ensuring the manufacturing quality of generic medicines in the UK.
We reflect our members' views at UK and European levels
We represent the views and interests of our members and industry generally to the UK government, the devolved administrations, regulators, other relevant third parties, including the media. Find out more about joining us.
Our core focus
Patients
Making medicines more affordable to the NHS and therefore increasing patient access to important, and potentially life-saving, drugs is a key role of the UK generic and biosimilar medicines industry.
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Quality
Generic medicines in the UK must comply with exactly the same standards of quality, safety and efficacy as all medicinal products.
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Value
The UK generics industry is the engine room behind a virtuous circle of innovation and cost containment.
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Sustainability
The generic industry in the UK is amongst the most efficient in the world with prices currently amongst the lowest in Europe.
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Partnership
The UK generics industry is a key part of an efficient supply chain which ensures patients access the medicines they need in a timely and affordable manner.
Read more
Welcome to Medicines UK
We are proudly launching our new name and brand as our association becomes Medicines UK. Our members supply the vast majority of prescription packs that the NHS relies on. Via off-patent competition, we create billions of pounds of savings allowing healthcare resources to go further and do more. We also increase access which allows more patients to receive the treatments they need. Please watch this short film from our chief executive Mark Samuels on why we have adopted a new name.
Latest news
Highlights
29.04.2025
NHS guide to unlock biosimilar savings is critical step
18.03.2025
Medicines UK Supply Issue Dashboard February 2025
28.02.2025
Off-patent savings watch: H1 2025
10 things you need to know
1
Generic medicines meet the same standards of quality, safety and efficacy as originator brands.
2
Generics have to demonstrate that they are bioequivalent to the original product - i.e., they deliver equal medical benefits to the patient.
3
Generic competition saves the NHS more than £18bn per annum.
4
The average cost to the NHS of a generic medicine is £4, whilst the average cost of a branded medicine is approximately £20.
5
On one product alone, based on current usage, the generics industry has saved the taxpayer £1.1bn.
6
In the UK, a free market approach with competition between manufacturers and incentives for GPs to prescribe and pharmacists to dispense generics has led to a high market share (80%) for generic products.
7
Generic prices in the UK are the lowest in the developed world and are constrained by free market competition.
8
The market share that generics reach and the savings they generate are dependent upon national legislation and regulation.
9
Further growth and NHS savings are constrained by regulatory delays and costs, and the actions of some originator companies in trying to avoid or delay generic competition.
10
Competition from generics also stimulates the research based pharmaceutical industry to develop new medicines.
