ABPI response to BGMA Judicial Review dismissal

The High Court has issued a judgment on the judicial review brought by the British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA) dismissing the claim that the organisation was improperly excluded from the ongoing negotiations between the government and industry to agree a new Voluntary Scheme for medicine pricing and access (VPAS).

Commenting on the result of the case, Richard Torbett, Chief Executive of the ABPI said: “For over 60 years the ABPI has acted as the representative industry body for negotiations on the Voluntary Scheme for branded medicines – a responsibility we take extremely seriously – and one which has been reaffirmed by today’s judgment.

“While we were disappointed that the BGMA decided to take this action – we recognise their decision was driven by the extreme challenge placed on all parts of the industry from the surge in the branded medicine payment rates.

“The solution to these problems must be a completely new and sustainable approach to medicines provision in the UK which rapidly brings industry revenue payments in line with comparator countries to unlock investment and growth.”