UK Government to Examine Red Tape Impact on Pharma Sector

The UK government's Cabinet Office Regulatory Impact Unit task force on red tape is expected to prioritise the drugs sector this year. Local reports indicate that authorities fear a relocation of R&D activities by multinational drugmakers, should the scope of already extensive regulation become even more burdensome.

The unit's report has identified the EU's 2001 Clinical Trials Directive, the UK's Control of Entry Regulations Act of 1987, the country's data exclusivity provisions and the National Health Service's procurement procedures as among the areas to be examined. However, the office also claims that further discussions will be needed with local players before any real changes can be considered.