Norgine rejoins ABPI after eight year absence

Norgine has rejoined the UK pharma trade association after an eight year absence.

Norgine quit the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) in October 2008, saying the pricing scheme the trade body agreed with the government favoured big pharma over smaller companies.

At the time Norgine continued with its membership of the Ethical Medicines Industry Group, representing small to sized pharma, and continued to comply with the UK’s voluntary medicines marketing code of practice.

But relations with the ABPI have improved enough for Norgine to rejoin. The company employs around 770 people in the UK, and 400 are based at a manufacturing and research site in Hengoed, making it the largest pharma employer in Wales.

Norgine's Hengoed manufacturing site

The remaining staff are based at an office in Harefield, who are involved with UK sales and marketing and global corporate functions.

Peter Martin, chief operating officer at Norgine said: “Norgine is committed to the UK and is welcoming the opportunity to work with the ABPI. The work of the ABPI is fundamental in ensuring that the interests of large and small pharmaceutical companies are well represented when leaving the EU and ultimately, to ensure that UK patients are not left behind when the rest of Europe are accessing new treatments.”

The ABPI’s chief executive, Mike Thompson, said he appreciated Norgine’s support during the challenges and uncertainties caused by Brexit.

Thompson said: “These are exciting and challenging times for our industry - we look forward to working with all the staff at Norgine to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of helping patients prevent and overcome diseases.

“As we plan for life outside the European Union and address the opportunities within the government’s industrial strategy, having Norgine’s support, with their heritage of adapting and responding to challenges together with their focus on innovation and partnership, comes at an opportune time.”