The European Medicines Agency has given an update on its Brexit preparations, including progress with dealing with “at-risk” medicines, staff retention and recruitment issues, and the resumption of some activities that have been temporarily shelved or cut back.

A UK judge has said the European Medicines Agency cannot escape the lease on its London premises after Brexit, meaning the agency may have to pay double rent when it moves to Amsterdam. The EMA believes this will affect its ability to carry out its responsibilities as an EU agency.

The EMA expects initial applications for drug approvals to decline slightly next year, with the budget also down a little because of Brexit uncertainty. The agency's management board reported on its visit to the agency’s future home in Amsterdam.