The ongoing fallout between the UK and the pharmaceutical industry could put British patients’ future access to new cures at risk. As companies cut back on UK-based clinical trials and de-prioritize the UK market for new drug launches, the NHS may find itself at the back of the queue for the next generation of innovative treatments.
Sanofi, a major global drugmaker, has already cut its clinical trials in the UK by 50%. This is a significant blow, as trials are often the first opportunity for patients with serious diseases to access cutting-edge medicines. A reduction in UK trial activity means fewer opportunities for British patients.
Furthermore, when companies label the UK a “terrible place to sell medicines,” it signals that they may delay or even forgo launching new drugs in the country altogether. The low prices and difficult market access conditions mean they may choose to focus on more profitable markets first.
While the current dispute is framed in economic terms—investment, jobs, and revenue—the ultimate consequence could be medical. A less attractive UK market means less research conducted in the country and potentially slower access to the life-saving innovations that result from it, impacting patient care for years to come.