Pharma conference examines MHRA, VPAS, staffing and real estate needs 4 Jul 2023
Four important themes for the life sciences were the focus of the Professional Industry Network Group (PING) conference, held in June 2023. These included the position of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) post the COVID-19 pandemic, the implications of the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access (VPAS) and the proposed Voluntary Scheme for Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG), plus whether there were adequate staffing and premises to support the sector.
Hosted by law firm VWV in association with the Ethical Medicines Industry Group, the meeting began with an investigation into what the MHRA was doing to tackle the backlog of regulatory approvals. Solutions included increasing recruitment and further training for existing assessors, the employment of a head of AI to improve efficiency, as well as greater cooperation with regulators around the world with the aim of recognising their decisions. These changes should get assessments back on track in 2024.
The industry fears that the jump in the VPAS reimbursement rate from 9.6% in 2019 to 26.5% in 2023 will stifle external investment in new treatments. Suggestions here included moving the worst affected companies into a separate scheme, as well as setting a fixed, single figure percentage rebate rate that would promote certainty with overseas investors and ensure products were not sold at a loss.
Perceived skills shortages in the sector were being addressed through the new skilled visa worker process, which would benefit those with STEM degrees or PhDs in particular. The ability to apply digitally was likely to speed up processes, plus the Home Office was considering adding roles like lab technicians to the shortage occupation list. The shift from a skills to a knowledge economy, and the fact that 13.5% of UK students were studying STEM degrees, suggested a stronger pipeline, with industry-focused skills a priority on courses. Expanding industrial placements and closer collaboration with universities on developing relevant training were other ideas.
On the question of real estate, participants said that there was not necessarily a lack of space, but rather a need for the right space in the right location to suit the needs of different businesses at different stages of development. It was recommended that developers should take a longer term view of future requirements to compete with overseas locations.
If you are looking for expert help to navigate the evolving regulatory environment, or want advice on how to take your new product from lab to marketing authorisation, PMC has the connections to support your journey. Please get in touch via hello@pharmamedic.co or T: +44 (0) 208 168 1668.