Below we highlight some recent developments in pharma and healthcare in the UK, including drug shortages in British intensive care units (ICUs), COVID-19 drug trials, biotech deals and market access developments.

 

Coronavirus leading to ICU drug shortages

In the UK the coronavirus pandemic is leading to shortages of drugs used in intensive care units. Some hospitals report a low supply of anaesthetics, opioid painkillers, and blood pressure drugs, and are being forced to resort to alternative medications. Doctors are urging the government to not focus only on ventilators but also to procure more ICU medications, especially those that help with circulation and blood pressure.

https://www.bbc.com/news/health-52150861?intlink_from_url=https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/cg1lkvgedv8t/pharmaceutical-industry&link_location=live-reporting-story

 

COVID-19 drug trials recruiting participants across the UK

In the first trial of coronavirus treatments in primary care, over 500 clinics in the UK have already begun recruiting people aged 50 and over into the trial. The trial is led by a team at Oxford University and will test interventions against the virus. 

https://pharmafield.co.uk/pharma_news/covid-19-drugs-trial-rolled-out-across-uk-homes-and-communities/

 

UK biotech Exscientia makes USD 260 million deal with Bayer 

Scotland-based biotech firm Exscientia reported that it is entering into a partnership with Bayer, allowing the German pharma giant to use its AI technology to find blockbuster pharma drugs for cardiovascular disease and oncology. Exscientia’s technology analyses genetic data from patients and locates molecules that could be used in new medication. 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2020/01/10/uk-biotech-boom-continues-exscientas-240m-pharma-giant-deal/

 

Roche’s trastuzumab recommended by UK institute as breast cancer treatment option

The UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recently recommended trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla, Roche) as a new early breast cancer treatment option. 

https://pharmafield.co.uk/pharma_news/nice-recommends-new-early-breast-cancer-treatment/

 

Market access and the NHS: How pharma key account management must meet the healthcare system’s evolving needs

A recent healthcare webinar outlined how pharma key account management must evolve in a changing National Health System. The NHS, which was already undergoing significant structural change, is now having to even further alter its service models. To continue improving market access, key account management teams will have to demonstrate how their products deliver wider cost-savings and service improvements within the NHS.

https://pharmafield.co.uk/spotlight/evolving-pharma-key-account-management-in-a-changing-nhs/