ecancermedicalscience has just published a new editorial which explores the consequences of a British exit from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as a result of Brexit, and what this will mean for pharmaceutical regulation and future access to medicines for UK citizens.

The author, Anthony Hatswell of BresMed (an independent health economics consultancy) and University College London, suggests that a British withdrawal from the EMA will likely delay the availability of new medicines to the UK market as well as their cheaper off brand counterparts once patents expire. In the long term this would be a source of massive harm to patients.

However, Hatswell goes on to explain how the UK could improve this situation for its citizens: "With careful planning and collaboration – the UK can maintain or even advance its position as a leader in life sciences."

Read the full editorial here.