Brexit may disrupt medicines supply, warns British alliance

The alliance cited an example that around 120,000 prostate cancer patients across Europe might be affected if Brexit negotiations fail to secure a future collaboration on regulation and trade of medicines and medical devices.

"It is critical that UK and EU patients do not lose out on the best treatments and medical devices as the UK leaves the EU."

In addition, future research into new medicines and technologies, as well as approximately 750 UK-led clinical trials with various EU member states could be impacted due to lack in co-operation post Brexit.

Brexit Health Alliance co-chair Niall Dickson said: "It is critical that UK and EU patients do not lose out on the best treatments and medical devices as the UK leaves the EU.

"We want to make sure that patients continue to benefit from early access to new health technologies and cutting-edge medicines, and that includes being able to take part in international clinical trials.

"This can be achieved if the will is there – what patients need is maximum co-operation and alignment between the EU and the UK on the regulation of medicines and medical devices and we very much welcome the UK Government’s commitment to close collaboration with our European partners."