In the first of a two-part series of articles on the UK COVID-19 Therapeutics Task Force, the Pink Sheet reports on how task force members are examining the role of therapeutics in tackling the pandemic and why the UK’s manufacturing capability needs to be strengthened so it can meet future demand. The second article will cover the work of the task force and how it is structured to identify and advance promising coronavirus treatments. 

A committee of influential politicians in Europe are calling for measures that will see the EU become more self-sufficient in the production of medicines, thereby reducing medicine shortages and dependence on imports from third countries.

A new licensing route is to be introduced by the UK MHRA next year for products that meet specific criteria, such as treating life threatening conditions or rare diseases and where there is a significant patient need. At a webinar this week, an MHRA medical assessor looked at the requirements that products will have to meet to enter the new pathway.