ABPI response to final EU data adequacy decision

The European Commission has issued a positive adequacy decision for the UK which will allow data to continue to flow freely from the EU to the UK.

We’re pleased the Commission has recognised the vital role data plays in all sectors and has given our scientists the green light to keep working together across Europe to deliver new breakthroughs for patients. Dr Bryan Deane

In response, Dr Bryan Deane, the ABPI’s Data Policy Director, said:

“Cross-border research is almost impossible without a data adequacy agreement.

“We’re pleased the Commission has recognised the vital role data plays in all sectors and has given our scientists the green light to keep working together across Europe to deliver new breakthroughs for patients.”

Data adequacy is crucial for cross-border research and clinical trials to continue without additional burden e.g., patient data and test results, which need to be routinely transferred across international borders as part of ongoing studies.

In 2019, 40 per cent of the clinical trials in the UK were run with EU Member States1.

Last modified: 20 September 2023

Last reviewed: 20 September 2023

The ABPI exists to make the UK the best place in the world to research, develop and use new medicines. We represent companies of all sizes who invest in discovering the medicines of the future. 

Our members supply cutting edge treatments that improve and save the lives of millions of people. We work in partnership with Government and the NHS so patients can get new treatments faster and the NHS can plan how much it spends on medicines. Every day, we partner with organisations in the life sciences community and beyond to transform lives across the UK.