Early Access to Medicines Scheme

While welcoming the government's plans to introduce a Promising Innovative Medicine (PIM) designation and an Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS), The BioIndustry Association has criticised the decision not to support this initiative with funding.

Steve Bates, BIA Chief Executive Officer:

"The BIA supports the government's decision to introduce a Promising Innovative Medicine (PIM) designation and an Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS) which shows the UK is committed to an "all hands on deck approach" to speedily progress promising innovative therapies to the patients that need them.

"As it is currently envisaged, without centrally funded reimbursement, the scheme runs the risk of being under-utilised. The BIA remains committed to working in partnership with all stakeholders to ensure that this is not the case and the scheme remains globally competitive.

"To ensure that patients receive the next generation of breakthrough therapies in the UK, while supporting overarching industry objectives, under the EAMS companies will need to be reimbursed at an earlier stage in development at a price that recognises the uncertainty of the effectiveness of early stage products."

On 28 April the BIA and the ABPI are holding an event to discuss the practicalities of the scheme for companies in the UK.

Further details from www.bioindustry.org