Veterinary medicines regulatory support in the UK and EU beyond Brexit

Building bridges for the animal health industry

The withdrawal of the UK from the EU has brought with it uncertainty for all industry sectors and the animal health industry has many particular concerns. The UK finally left the EU on 31 January 2020, with a transition period due to end 31 December 2020. During this transition period, it will largely be "business as normal", but industry will need to continue making preparations for when this period ends.

Regulatory affairs support for the UK and the EU

With headquarters in Bristol, UK and our new office in Mannheim, Germany, Cyton can continue to offer all of our services in regulatory affairs and product development, in both regions, regardless of the final outcome of the Brexit negotiations.

Based on recommendations from the EMA and other European regulators (refer to the separate Brexit news page on our website), there are some activities which industry can already commence in preparation for Brexit. In this context, Cyton can offer support with the activities discussed below.

Marketing authorisation holder transfers

Following the UK’s exit from the EU, UK-based companies can no longer hold Marketing Authorisations for Veterinary Medicinal Products marketed in EU Member States.  These include nationally authorised products but also so-called ‘Community authorisations’ licensed via the Centralised, Decentralised or Mutual Recognition procedures.  Cyton can assist with preparation, submission and oversight of MA transfer applications.

Reference Member State (RMS) changes

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (the VMD – the UK agency) can no longer act as RMS for European Marketing Authorisation Application procedures, and for VMPs already marketed in the EU where the UK acted as RMS, this responsibility will need to be transferred to the authority of another Member State.

Product literature updates

Changes to product literature may be necessary due to changes in ownership, new distribution arrangements, or changed national requirements following divergence of harmonised labelling.

Batch control and release site change variations

It has not yet been clarified how the exact requirements for Qualified Persons will change.  However, as is the case for holding EU Marketing Authorisations, batch release for the EU market will no longer be possible from a UK address and this function will need to be transferred.  Cyton has extensive experience in managing such variations.

EU and UK pharmacovigilance support, including veterinary QPPV

The EU QPPV must reside in the EU; the UK has confirmed that it will also accept an EU-based QPPV for UK-approved products. Our office in Mannheim, Germany allows us to ‘cover all bases’ in pharmacovigilance support, with experienced staff, suitably qualified to act as the QPPV, residing both in the UK and in mainland Europe.

Transfer of MUMS classification status

Since the incentives available for Minor Use, Minor Species products are a European Union initiative, it will be necessary for UK-based license holders to transfer MUMS products to European companies in order to continue to avail of the incentives.

 

All of the activities discussed above are carried out as part of Cyton's routine work in life cycle management and pharmacovigilance, so you can be sure of a smooth and efficient service.

Brexit News - keep track of the latest developments

To maintain your awareness of any Brexit related developments which have implications for the animal health industry, please visit our dedicated news feed:

www.cyton.com/news/brexit

Useful external Links

European Commission Brexit preparedness notices (Sante) - includes a general explanatory notice and a Q & A document:

https://ec.europa.eu/info/brexit/brexit-preparedness/preparedness-notices_en#sante

European Medicines Agency (EMA) Brexit landing page

https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/about-us/brexit-united-kingdoms-withdrawal-european-union​

UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) Transition Period information hub

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vmd-information-hub​

 

Regulatory Outsourcing Options

Cyton’s dedicated regulatory procedures team can support you with:
 - Dossier preparation, submission & regulatory procedures
 - Regulatory intelligence and strategic planning
 - Life cycle management
 - Key person cover
 - Pharmacovigilance
 - Brexit support services

Dr. Karolina Bate Managing Director
+44 (0) 117 906-7642 send mail LinkedIn profile

Cyton_AH_Biosciences_GmbH_Mannheim_Germany_Animal_Health_Consultancy

Cyton Germany is now open for business!

Providing all the services available from Cyton UK, the new office ensures business continuity, post Brexit and beyond, for Cyton and our clients.

www.cyton.com/germany