Hosted in London by ABPI CEO Stephen Whitehead, the meeting was a chance for companies of all sizes to share their views and shape this important debate.

Stephen Whitehead commented:

“The outcome of the negotiations for the next pricing scheme will be pivotal to the future of our industry. We must get this right. And we cannot forget that the consequences will reach far beyond our industry – this will affect the NHS, the economy, and, most importantly patients.

“The Government recently acknowledged that the uptake of new medicines is key to growth – now we need to ensure this acknowledgment is recognised in the next pricing scheme agreement.

“Innovation of all kinds needs to be encouraged and rewarded. The medicines developed by our industry should not be thought of as a cost, but as an investment: their application underpins the NHS; investment in research and development stimulates economic growth; and of course, their use in patients saves and improves lives, every day.

“Negotiating on behalf of industry, the ABPI will do all it can to ensure that we are recognised and rewarded for the work we do and the medicines we produce. The UK already has among the lowest medicine prices in Europe, and we need the UK to be seen as a prime location for investment – now more than ever.”

ENDS

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Notes to Editors

1. The event today was held at the Royal College of Physicians.
2. Key facts on the cost of medicines
3. We represent innovative research-based biopharmaceutical companies, both large and small, leading an exciting new era of biosciences in the UK. 
   
   Our industry, a major contributor to the economy of the UK, brings life-saving and life-enhancing medicines to patients. Our members supply 90 per cent of all medicines used by the NHS, and are researching and developing 90 per cent of the current medicines pipeline, ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of helping patients prevent and overcome diseases. 
   
   We are the Government recognised body negotiating the pricing of branded medicines on behalf of the entire industry. Working with our Research Affiliate Members, we promote the UK as a destination of choice for international life sciences investment.