Another inquiry investigation into the consequences of Brexit in the life sciences area has been launched, this time by the UK House of Commons health committee. Stakeholders are asked to comment on issues like the impact on the regulation of medicines and medical devices, how to ensure continued access to medicines, and whether transitional arrangements will be needed.

The role of the UK drug regulator in the EU post-Brexit will depend on the outcome of complex negotiations. It’s clear that the loss of the MHRA from the network would be keenly felt by other agencies across Europe.

Reliance on each other’s good manufacturing practice reports should allow EU and US regulators to better focus their limited inspection resources on drug manufacturers in other countries around the world.