House of Commons · Westminster Hall
03 May 2023 · 4 other contributors · 8,289 words
Opened by Anne Marie Morris Con Newton Abbot
Responding minister: Will Quince
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Anne Marie Morris raised concerns about branded medicines voluntary scheme and the life sciences vision in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Government should consider increasing the cap on medicine spending growth to provide more headroom for pharmaceutical companies, simplify regulatory processes, and ensure that a significant portion of the rebate funds goes towards clinical research and genomics. A fairer relationship between industry and government is needed, with key performance indicators and deliverables for both sides.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The current voluntary scheme for branded medicines pricing and access (VPAS) is too restrictive, leading to a decline in pharmaceutical research investment in the UK. The global share of R&D has fallen from 4.9% in 2012 to 3.3% in 2020, with initiated industry clinical trials decreasing by 41% between 2017 and 2021. The scheme's current rebasing formula is uncertain, creating difficulties for budgeting and deterring investment.
Mr Daniel Zeichner expressed concerns about the impact of the rebate level on organisations and future investment, citing issues such as the withdrawal from the scheme by key global pharma companies. He highlighted a decline in UK's share of global R&D spend and clinical trial numbers since 2012, with the highest rate of new drug launches falling compared to other European countries. Mr Zeichner also noted that good prices without supply are not ideal outcomes. The MP intervened twice, questioning whether the 26.7% factor needs addressing and asking for clarity on whether the current situation was anticipated when the scheme was drawn up.
The speaker expressed concern over the impact of the Branded Medicines Voluntary Scheme on patient access to medicines, the life sciences industry's financial sustainability, and the NHS's ability to provide good value. She highlighted issues such as decreased global investment in R&D, companies leaving the UK, workforce shortages, and supply shortages due to steep increases in VPAS payments.
Mr Martyn Day expressed concerns about the unsustainable payment rates in the UK Government's voluntary scheme for pharmaceutical companies, which are higher than historical norms and international standards. He highlighted that large US-based drug companies like AbbVie and Eli Lilly have exited due to punitive revenue clawbacks, while others such as Bayer and Bristol-Myers Squibb have threatened to reduce their presence in the UK. Mr Day noted the significant impact of VPAS funding on Scotland's NHS, mentioning a £456.5 million fund since 2014 for new medicines that faces uncertainty beyond December.
Mr Virendra Sharma informed the House of the time limits for contributions and winding-up speeches, reminding hon. Members that the debate can continue until 6:13 pm.
Government Response
Will QuinceIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Sharma. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Newton Abbot (Anne Marie Morris) for securing this important and timely debate... We are committed to agreeing a deal that supports a strong UK life sciences sector and drives economic growth through investment, but I recognise what my hon. Friend the Member for Newton Abbot says: we have to do far more in many other areas—clinical trials, regulation, the life sciences missions and the investment therein. There is also the ongoing work around uptake... We remain firmly committed to VPAS and to working with the industry to deliver a new branded medicines agreement.