ABPI opens NI office

The Association for the British Pharmaceutical Industry has launched a separate branch for Northern Ireland, reflecting, it says, "the strength of Northern Ireland's existing pharmaceutical industry" as well as recognizing specific interest for that part of the UK. The launch was timed to coincide with the US-NI Investment Conference.

One issue that is likely to be addressed by the group is the mechanism for the reimbursement of drugs in the province, which is currently under the control of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, despite differences in the organization of the National Health Service compared with arrangements in England.

Richard Barker, the ABPI's director general, said: "Northern Ireland's patients must be treated fairly. Improved access to medicines and treatments is key to ensuring that patients and carers receive the best quality of life." He added that "Northern Ireland offers an attractive business and scientific environment. The ABPI NI aims to build awareness among pharmaceutical companies of this valuable resource, in order to encourage greater investment in the country's science base."