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18:21, 07-Sep-2017
European Medicines Agency to seek next foothold after Brexit
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Following Britain's decision to quit the bloc, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) will be forced to leave London, and that news has attracted several countries, including Denmark, Sweden, Spain, France and Poland, with all competing to be the “throne” of the headquarters.
The competition is fierce, with 19 cities trying to lure the EMA. Because the agency could bring at least 890 staff, as well as attracting 36,000 experts each year to its meetings, it is a boon for the local economy.
More fundamentally, Europe's one-stop-shop for approving and monitoring the safety of drugs could be a magnet for future pharmaceutical and biotechnology investment.
Pedestrians pass the European Medicines Agency building in London, UK, July 31, 2017. /VCG Photo
Pedestrians pass the European Medicines Agency building in London, UK, July 31, 2017. /VCG Photo
The Danish government, who has launched a bid to host the EMA, is home to a cluster of pharmaceutical and biotech companies, including Novo Nordisk, the world's largest diabetes drug maker. In such case, the government has appointed former Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Rebien Sorensen as a special envoy being tasked with promoting the Danish offer.
"We think EMA is a very important institution, because it administrates the approval and supervision of new medicines in all Europe. Therefore, it has big importance for public care and for 500 million people living in Europe," Sorensen said.
The logo of the European Medicines Agency in London, UK, May 2, 2017. /VCG Photo
The logo of the European Medicines Agency in London, UK, May 2, 2017. /VCG Photo
Denmark has committed to ensuring an optimal setting for the activities of the EMA. It will provide a new, sustainable building located less than ten minutes from the airport and with first 20 years to be rent free.
Analysts say that the participation in the EMA would mean closer integration for Denmark and brings more economic growth and opportunities for the country.
The EMA is charged with the scientific evaluation and monitoring of medicinal products that have been developed for use in the EU. The agency plays a key role in ensuring that pharmaceutical products for the European markets are safe, effective and high quality.
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