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Generic and Biosimilar Medications

Free trade agreements

The UK has already signed a number of free trade agreements, including with the EU and India. The initial agreements covered a variety of sectors but included no real detail on pharmaceuticals. Medicines UK would like to see both agreements evolve further and specifically address supply chain resilience and manufacturing investment.

Generic and Biosimilar Medications

European Union FTA

The government has already signalled it wants to continue to 'reset' its relationships with the EU, with talks to enhance trade cooperation anticipated to take place in 2026.

 

A wide range of sectors are understandably keen to be part of those discussions, but Medicines UK believes that medicines supply must be among those prioritised.

 

The EU is well advanced in its planning for a crisis or unexpected shock to supply via its Critical Medicines Act. As part of that work, it has signalled its desire to partner with countries which are politically and geographically aligned. The UK is an ideal candidate to become a strategic partner, and discussions on joining the planning should be a priority in any UK negotiations.

India FTA

Nearly a third of Medicine UK's member companies are headquartered in India, while others have manufacturing bases or contract supplies from the country. Around one third of NHS off-patent medicines come from India. Additionally, approximately 50% of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used in all generic medicines are produced in India or China.

 

Medicines UK believes that regulation and resilience are key areas for the UK and India to prioritise in life sciences. Both offer clear mutual benefits and a platform for growth and should be part of future trade deal talks.

 

Examples of cooperation could include the creation of a UK–India regulatory roadmap over the next three to five years, aimed at greater harmonisation, and risk-proportionate recognition of each other's decisions while maintaining high standards.

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