Timely access to medicines hinges on logistics in no-deal Brexit scenario

A shortage of medicines immediately after Brexit may arise according to a review by the U.K.’s National Audit Office, which cited lower levels of product stockpiling than earlier this year and delays in access to government-wide freight capacity.

According to a NAO report released Friday, U.K. medicines suppliers are less prepared now for a no-deal exit than they were six months ago. In August 2018, the U.K. government asked pharmaceutical companies to build up stocks equivalent to six weeks of supplies to avoid shortages in medicines. At Sept. 20, 69% of medicine suppliers, representing 90% of the market volume, told the Department for Health & Social Care that 72% of medicine products had a six-week stockpile. In contrast, 95% had a six week stockpile in place for 91% of medicines ahead of the previous Brexit date of March 29, ...