Erik Nordkamp, managing director of Pfizer UK, has been confirmed as the new president of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). With UK life sciences still uncertain as to the full effect of Brexit on the industry, Nordkamp has set the focus of his presidency as ensuring that Britain retains its status as a world leader in global medicines discovery and working to transform patient care through improving access to new medicines and vaccines.
“Healthcare is transforming, and much of the transformation is being made possible by medicines”
Erik Nordkamp
Upon accepting the position at the ABPI, Nordkamp said: “Today, we are able to prevent, manage and even cure diseases in ways we couldn’t have imagined in years past. Healthcare is transforming, and much of the transformation is being made possible by medicines.
“The pharmaceutical industry is proud to have been a partner to the NHS throughout its 70-year history. The industry’s collaboration with Government in producing the Life Science Industrial Strategy has set the right tone of partnership and agenda setting. Now, as we look to the health challenges of the future, our industry must play an integral role in long-term planning for the NHS.
“Our dedicated scientists and academics can contribute solutions and demonstrate how new technologies and medicines can improve patient outcomes, transform services and deliver the efficiency and productivity so urgently needed.
“By being involved at the earliest possible stage in strategic planning, we can work with the NHS and Government to make sure that UK patients receive world-class care at the cutting edge of what is possible today and in the future.
“Recognition of the role of medicines and new technologies, as well as a commitment to encourage the discovery of innovative medicines and their use in the UK, would be transformational for patients, the NHS and the British economy. This must be our goal.”
The ABPI is also appointing a vice president, for the first time in its history – Haseeb Ahmad, managing director UK & Ireland at Novartis. The two appointments will take effect from 1 August.
Welcoming the appointments, Mike Thompson, the ABPI’s chief executive, said:
“I’m delighted that Erik is taking up the role of Presidency. He starts at arguably the most challenging period for the pharmaceutical industry in the UK as Britain continues to negotiate its withdrawal from the European Union, implement a modern Industrial Strategy and agree a deal on UK branded medicines policy for the next five years.
“The new position of Vice-President will work with Erik and ABPI staff to ensure the benefit of new medicines and vaccines is fully realised in Government and the NHS. Haseeb will bring a wealth of experience to the role. On behalf of everyone at the ABPI I welcome them both to their new roles.”
