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Bas Vorsteveld, who was made vice president and general manager for Great Britain & Ireland (GBI) in November last year, is joined by Monica Michalopoulou as GBI marketing director and Onyeka Anugwom as GBI commercial excellence director GSK Consumer Healthcare. He took over from Jonathan Workman, who held the position from 2018, and has now moved into the role of Business Unit general manager for Northern Europe. Vorsteveld, who has 15 years' industry experience, played at major part in the merger of Novartis and GSK consumer healthcare businesses. Most recently, he held the role of VP & head of commercial excellence EMEA LATAM at GSK Consumer Healthcare, where he spearheaded international sustainability initiatives. Commenting on his new role, Vorsteveld said: "I am incredibly honoured to have been a part of GSK Consumer Healthcare's journey to date and it is our collective ambition to deliver better everyday health with humanity for our customers, with a laser focus on 'self-care'. "The recent pandemic has shown us that healthcare matters more now than ever before for our consumers. We want to redefine the role that self-care plays in people's lives, because it can bring long-term benefits for individuals and society, and is a key component of a sustainable healthcare system.

The UK must act swiftly to fend off competition if it wants to build the world's leading life sciences sciences hub, a new report suggests. A year on from the launch of the government's life science vision, the report commissioned by the the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry said although achieving the ambition remained feasible, the UK would need an attractive business environment because its competitor countries were becoming more adept at attracting investment. To achieve the ambition of the vision, the PwC-produced report suggested raising pharmaceutical R&D investment in the UK to build a 'stronger manufacturing and research infrastructure', alongside better investment in, access to and uptake of innovative medicines. It said the UK would also need to adopt a renewed approach to the priority healthcare challenges identified in the government's 'Life Science Vision', which would mean cutting the overall burden on health of dementia, cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory disease and mental health. The report quantified the size of the prize if the vision was implemented in full and the UK could emulate the successes of leading EU countries, which included: £68 billion in additional GDP over 30 years, owing to increased R&D investment £16.3 billion additional annual GDP from increased pharmaceutical exports Supporting 85,000 additional jobs Up to 40 per cent decrease in disease burden across the whole UK - for areas like cardiovascular disease, mental health conditions and Cancer. Reduced variation in speed of access to new medicines within three months of licensing for all NHS patients.

Hobbs, who joined the company in 2019, navigated it through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and successfully oversaw the acquisition and integration of Lexon in 2023. He will retire from the company at the end of September 2024. "After five years with the company, I am retiring at the end of September to spend time with my wife who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year," Hobbs said. "I wish to extend my personal thanks to our owners, the Bestway Group, for their kindness and understanding of our situation. "It has been a privilege to lead the Well Pharmacy, now Bestway Healthcare organisation. The business is resilient for today and fit to prosper in the long term. When I leave it will be with gratitude and admiration for the 7,500+ people in Bestway Healthcare who are committed to improving the lives of our patients and customers, thank you all."

Accord Healthcare is set to expand its manufacturing and production capabilities for high-quality medicines at its Fawdon plant in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, following a new multi-million-pound investment deal with the government. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves launched the new Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF) and announced the unlocking of a joint £50 million investment deal during her visit to the Fawdon plant on 1 November. Unveiled as part of a new budget, the LSIMF will distribute up to £ 520 million in capital grants aimed at drug and medical technology production. Accord stated that it will allocate the funding towards developing new product lines, including a novel prostate cancer drug and two autoimmune injectables for treating rheumatoid arthritis and gastroenterology indications, as well as expanding its medicines for adjunctive therapy in cancer. With this investment, Accord also plans to create over 50 new skilled jobs to "safeguard the facility's long-term future." Paul Tredwell, executive vice president of Accord Healthcare EMENA, welcomed the announcement and described it as positive news for the medicines manufacturing industry across the UK.

The British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA), the representative trade association for off-patent medicines, has established a new Women's Networking Group aimed at fostering learning, networking, and career development opportunities for women in the generic and biosimilar medicines industry. Clara Carter, UK country manager of generics at Accord Healthcare, has been elected as the first chair of the group, and Elaine Holisz, strategic engagement director at Advanz, as its vice chair. Clara expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, saying, "This is a really important association initiative which will cover a wide range of topics and issues." "At its heart, I want it to be about identifying and nurturing talent and breeding confidence in future industry leaders. We will offer mentoring and speaker opportunities among a wide range of potential activities." With over two decades of experience in the off-patent medicines industry, Clara is committed to providing participants with practical insights and guidance. Diane DiGangi Trench, Country Head UK & Ireland for Sandoz and current chair of the BGMA, highlighted the importance of the initiative, "The Women's Networking Group will be a brilliant platform to encourage new voices in our industry and I am really looking forward to participating in the planned programme."

The UK pharmaceutical industry experienced a substantial increase in public trust and favourability during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a new poll. This trend appears to be persisting with the study showing a generally favourable view of the sector. The recent survey, conducted by Ipsos and commissioned by Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), represents the third instalment in a series that began in 2021. This ongoing study targets members of the public, healthcare professionals, and parliamentarians. The study once again underscored a favourable perception of the sector with 67 per cent of respondents recognising that the pharmaceutical industry produces safe and effective medicines using cutting-edge technologies. Moreover, a majority agrees that it is a highly innovative field. Seven out of 10 people also trust the sector's readiness to address future pandemics, even as media attention on pharmaceutical companies returns to pre-pandemic levels. However, concerns arise regarding limitations in accessing new medicines due to cost pressures.

Thorrun Govind, a former chair of the English Pharmacy Board of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, has joined Brabners' regulatory & professional conduct team. With nearly a decade of experience as a GPhC-registered pharmacist, Govind will provide guidance on regulatory and professional conduct issues. Govind's expertise extends to healthcare advisory and disputes involving NHS Trusts and social care organisations. She has been recognised as the 'Young Pharmacist of the Year' by Pharmacy Business Magazine and is a frequent commentator on public health and healthcare law for major television networks. Her appointment underscores Brabners' commitment to offering top-tier legal services to the healthcare industry.

Charac, an NHS-integrated one-stop platform for independent community pharmacies, has secured £1 million strategic investment from the Royal Mail Group, enabling its time-saving platform to assist more local pharmacies and patients across the UK to easily manage their prescriptions and consultations online. The company said this new money will enable it to leverage strong levels of trust that pharmacists enjoy within the communities they serve in and will ensure pharmacies remain a cornerstone of vibrant high streets and an invaluable provider of frontline healthcare products and services, including vitally needed consultations. Charac says it is aiming to sign up over 1,000 UK pharmacies in the next 12 months by expanding its geographic footprint beyond current cities, including London, Manchester and Birmingham, and targeting small multiple and independent pharmacies, accounting for almost 40 per cent of the UK's community pharmacy network. The announcement also sees the addition of Stefan Kulik, a managing director at Royal Mail, to the Charac board. Stefan is responsible for leading Royal Mail's expansion into the healthcare industry and brings a breadth of experience, having previously worked in healthcare with companies including Johnson & Johnson.

PAGB, the consumer healthcare association, has launched a new eLearning platform, open to both members and non-members, offering a comprehensive range of online training and development resources for the consumer healthcare industry. Launched at the end of 2024, the eLearning platform was initially exclusive to PAGB members. It has now been expanded to include non-members, along with the addition of new content and courses. Fully integrated with PAGB's website, the eLearning platform provides a variety of on-demand training courses and webinar recordings, complementing the association's year-round schedule of workshops and events. From Essentials courses that cover foundational topics such as UK medicines regulations, to Deep Dive courses offering in-depth knowledge on specific areas like CBD and novel food, the eLearning content is designed to support users' professional development and expertise. Additionally, the platform offers a collection of webinar recordings from past events, offering insights into various areas of consumer healthcare and PAGB membership. These recordings are currently exclusive to PAGB members.

In a mutual agreement with the STADA board, Roger Scarlett-Smith has stepped down from his role as head of UK. The company has assigned the responsibility of UK operation to Rudolf Bär with current responsibilities as cluster head for Mid-Sized European Markets. Scarlett-Smith joined STADA in October 2018 to lead the UK operation upon the retirement of Dieno George. Prior to this, he had enjoyed an illustrious career in the Consumer Healthcare sector, largely with GlaxoSmithKline, for which he held positions including as President North America, President EMEA and Head of Global Categories. Under his leadership, the STADA UK business has grown sales by 50 per cent and profitability has more than doubled. He has reshaped the business to improve efficiency. There has been a marked acceleration of product innovation including key line extensions to the Zoflora disinfectant range as well as the introduction of a salmeterol and fluticasone inhaler in the Rx respiratory sector. Meanwhile, T+R has developed a fine reputation regionally, being voted number 1 regional company last year and winning many national industry awards.

The business landscape worldwide is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting from a sole focus on profitability to incorporating a broader spectrum of considerations. Today, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are integral to business operations, reflecting a commitment to sustainable and ethical practices alongside financial growth. ESG stands for three interconnected pillars: Environmental, focusing on reducing a company's ecological footprint; Social, addressing the impact on employees, diversity, equity, inclusion, and the broader community; and Governance, which ensures responsible management practices, ethical behavior, and compliance with regulations. This holistic approach is becoming a critical foundation for long-term success in various industries, including healthcare. For the UK healthcare and pharmacy sectors, integrating ESG not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also offers substantial benefits. This article delves into the specific implications of ESG for UK pharmacies, highlighting how they can leverage these practices to foster both community well-being and business success.

The only way to overcome the challenges facing the medicines supply chain in the UK is through close cooperation - the government, pharmacies, and the industry all working together in tandem - said Andrew Stephenson, Minister for Health and Social Care. The MP for Pendle, Lancashire made the statement while addressing the Healthcare Distribution Association's (HDA) Annual Conference at the Institute of Directors in Pall Mall, London on Thursday (25 January), where over 130 leaders from the pharma industry gathered. As the keynote speaker, Stephenson acknowledged the crucial role wholesalers, manufacturers, and retail pharmacy chains, play in the wellbeing of the nation. He said: "In the first few months that I've been in this job, it's become immediately obvious to me just how important this sector is and just how important the work that all of you do is for our country."

Bas Vorsteveld, former Haleon's vice-president and general manager for Great Britain and Ireland (GBI), has been appointed as Kenvue's new area managing director for Northern Europe. In his new role, he will oversee the company's operations across the UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, managing a portfolio of iconic brands, including Nicorette, Aveeno, Johnson's Baby, Listerine, Neutrogena, Calpol, OGX, and Imodium. Vorsteveld has over 30 years of experience in consumer goods and healthcare. At Haleon, he played a pivotal role in driving its GBI business following its separation from GSK, delivering significant growth and earning notable recognition, including Best Company at the UK Pharmacy Awards 2024. He announced his departure from Haleon in October 2024, after "a journey of nearly 19 amazing years." Until recently, Vorsteveld was president of the board of the PAGB, spearheading the organisation's five-year strategy focused on advancing self-care to help alleviate healthcare pressures.

AmerisourceBergen, a leading pharmaceutical solutions organisation announced its intent to change its name to 'Cencora' to better reflect its bold vision and purpose-driven approach to creating healthier futures. Steven H. Collis, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer of AmerisourceBergen said: "Over time, we have established ourselves as a trusted industry partner that prioritizes innovation, advocates for patient access and advances strategic partnerships across the global pharmaceutical supply chain. To further bolster our position, we must continue to adapt and evolve within our dynamic industry as we pursue the goal of enhancing health outcomes. Building a unified brand is fundamental to our identity as a global healthcare company. We believe our new name better reflects who we are today and our impact across pharmaceutical care." AmerisourceBergen intends to begin operating as Cencora in the second half of calendar year 2023. The change to Cencora is aligned with the organisation's growth strategy and continued emphasis on innovation. AmerisourceBergen has focused on supporting pharmaceutical advancement and access for patients, manufacturers, and providers across the global healthcare supply chain.

PAGB, the prominent consumer healthcare association, has appointed a new Vice-President following the departure of Richard Holme from PAGB's Board earlier this year. Brian R. Fischel, who currently serves as Regional Director & General Manager for UK and Ireland at Reckitt, is set to take on the new Vice-President role at PAGB. Bringing extensive international experience as Vice-President at UK trade association representing manufacturers of branded over-the-counter medicines, medical devices and food supplements, Fischel has over eight years at Reckitt managing various global health territories. His election in the leadership role in June positions him alongside Bas Vorsteveld, President, and Mike Knowland, Vice President, completing PAGB's executive team. Michelle Riddalls, CEO of PAGB, expressed optimism about Brian's appointment, emphasising his alignment with PAGB's strategic objectives.

AAH Pharmaceuticals on Tuesday (November 15) announced the promotion of its commercial director David Bound to chief executive officer of the company. In his 10 years in the company, Mr Bound has helped to drive growth across the AAH business, implementing new digital channels for customers, and developing strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical manufacturers - drawing on from his vast experience in the healthcare industry, as well as in supply chain, operations, and trading. Commenting on his promotion, he said: "I'm delighted to be taking on this role at such a critical time for healthcare. There are many challenges affecting the industry right now - from inflationary pressures to workforce issues - and I'm looking forward to tackling them head-on alongside my excellent team."

The NHS Confederation and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has published a report that demonstrated the importance of the collaboration between industry and the NHS to improve patient outcomes across the UK. Analysis from the report has shown a significant variation in access to innovative medicines for patients across the UK and showed that uptake of new treatments in these areas continues to be below the average of similar countries in Europe. The report, 'Transforming Lives, Improving Health Outcomes', has highlighted four initiatives where effective partnerships between the NHS, patient organisations and industry have helped to tackle unwarranted variation in the uptake of innovative medicines. Transforming Lives, Improving Health Outcomes also called for a systemwide secondary prevention strategy covering all parts of the health system creating a barrier to wider and consistent uptake of innovative medicine. It also noted that newly created Integrated Care Systems have the potential to improve preventative treatment. The report data also showed a 51% variation of uptake of three types of medicines related to diabetes between NHS Trusts in England.

UK businesses invested £50 billion in research and development (R&D) in 2023, according to the annual survey report released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This marks a £1.4 billion increase (2.9%) compared to the previous year's £48.5 billion. Pharmaceuticals remained the largest contributor to business R&D spending, with £8.7 billion allocated to the sector, accounting for 17.4% of the total R&D expenditure by UK businesses. However, this is slightly down from £8.8 billion in 2022. Other major contributors among product groups included software development with R&D spending at £7.6 billion, and miscellaneous business activities such as technical testing and analysis at £6.9 billion. When measuring the value of R&D performed by industry, the scientific research and development industry emerged as the top performer, with £12.7 billion spent, representing 25.3% of total business R&D.

Many of us know that oral health plays a hugely important role in our general health and wellbeing. We're continuing to see a rise of cosmetic dentistry such as veneers and teeth whitening[1] but fundamentally, it shouldn't be forgotten that oral health encompasses so much more than aesthetics. Our diets, the oral hygiene products we are using, and our brushing techniques are all elements that impact our oral health. It's been hard to miss in the news that there is a dental crisis in the UK, with 'dental deserts' leaving some areas with over 3,000 patients for every NHS dentist[2]. With oral health being of such importance to our overall health[3], it's only reiterated to us at Haleon that we must continue to promote access to dental care and understanding of better dental health. As I've mentioned in previous articles for Pharmacy Business, an understanding of preventative, self-care is hugely beneficial, not just to improve health inclusivity but to help reduce these current burdens on both healthcare and dentistry professionals. We know that at Haleon, we, and the consumer healthcare industry as a whole, have a responsibility to empower people to equip themselves with the tools and information to participate in their own and loved ones' health - and dental health is such an important part of that.

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has laid out a series of urgent actions it wants the newly elected Labour government to implement within its first 100 days in office. Among the top priorities, the ABPI has emphasised the urgent need to appoint a new Chair and Chief Executive for the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Additionally, the ABPI has urged the new government to launch the Life Sciences Manufacturing Capital Grants Facility without delay. Other measures the ABPI wants Labour to prioritise include: Rapidly passing outstanding UK clinical trials legislation to enhance the UK's attractiveness for inward investment, including into research within the NHS. Increasing commercial flexibility in the NHS England Commercial Framework for New Medicines to remove barriers for companies to launch new medicines and indications so that NHS patients can access the latest innovative medicines.