British heart drug trials halted

UK trials into a heart drug have been halted because of uncertainty over Brexit.

Medical research company Recardio suspended the work because of ‘completely unresolved’ questions over how such research will be regulated after Britain leaves the EU.

Trials into heart attack treatment dutogliptin were due to start in the next few months in Exeter, Leeds and Glasgow. But the company said they were being put on hold because of ‘uncertainty due to EU withdrawal’. Trials are set to continue across Europe and in the US. The drug is designed to repair tissue after a heart attack.

An email to the Golden Jubilee National Hospital outside Glasgow, seen by the BBC, cited ‘completely unresolved issues’ over whether the European Medicines Agency would accept British data after Brexit.

Theresa May wants Britain to remain part of the EMA approval process – but many in the pharmaceuticals industry are nervous over a lack of progress on the issue. Recardio is the first to take action – warning of a ‘significant risk’ to its business.