Up till now, pharmaceuticals have enjoyed free movement across Europe, however, this liberty may well be curtailed if there are changes in how goods are managed by customs.

Even in the current environment, the process of handling and storing pharma products has to be carefully choreographed to avoid supply interruptions. Poor environmental storage or transportation issues can have a deleterious effect on supply which can have serious consequences for patients who rely on a guaranteed stream of life-saving medicines.

An immediate shortage is more likely to occur in relation to those products with a short shelf life or cold chain requirements. 

Manufacturers and Wholesalers alike who are responsible for distribution to pharmacies and hospitals need to manage their storage and supplies to negate the risk of running out particularly where time and temperature sensitive products like Epi-pens and insulin are concerned.

The outcome? Whether or not it’s a hard Brexit, demand for appropriate storage facilities is increasing not least because of the swing towards biopharmaceuticals which are the “snowflakes” of the pharma portfolio.