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Trading Medicines for Human Use: Shortages and Supply Chain Obligations
Guidance helping pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors to meet their obligations regarding the supply of medicines was jointly published today by nine organisations including the MHRA.
The current economic climate has resulted in an increase of some branded medicines being exported from the UK to other EU countries for profit. This 'parallel exporting' of UK medicines is legal and in line with European trade laws. However, this practice has the potential to contribute to shortages of medicines in the UK market, which could have an impact on patients and the level of care they receive.
The new guidance aims to reduce future problems with the export of medicines for profit by setting out the key legal and ethical obligations for manufacturers, wholesalers, NHS Trusts, registered pharmacies and dispensing doctors in relation to the supply and trading of medicines. The advice was developed jointly by various industry bodies representing the different parts of the medicine supply chain, including the MHRA and the ABPI (Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry).
This guidance is relevant to marketing authorisation holders, manufacturers, wholesalers, dispensing doctors, registered pharmacies and NHS Trusts.
Guidance: Trading Medicines for Human Use: Shortages and Supply Chain Obligations 
