UK Medicine Supply Faces Risks from Middle East Conflict and Rising CostsImpact of Middle East Conflict and Rising Costs on UK Medicine SupplyBy Maggie Fick and Bhanvi SatijaCurrent Situation and Warnings from Medicines UKLONDON, March 20 (Reuters) - Britain has so far avoided medicine shortages linked to the war in the Middle East, but soaring freight costs are squeezing generic drugmakers' margins and could soon trigger price rises, supply shortages or both, trade group Medicines UK warned. Chief Executive Mark Samuels said Britain was "one step away" from medicine shortages if instability persisted, with stockpiles providing only a temporary buffer. Pressure on Generic DrugmakersWhile supplies are still flowing, he said makers of cheap generics, which account for most NHS medicines by volume, were already under pressure from higher transport costs and shipping disruption. With about 55% of generic medicines in Britain priced at less than 1 British pound ($1.34) for a month's supply, transport makes up a significant part of the cost, increasing the risk that some products could become loss-making and threaten supply. Role of Medicines UK and Market OverviewMedicines UK represents generic and biosimilar medicines manufacturers and suppliers whose products account for 85% of NHS prescriptions.

Source: The Guardian March 20, 2026 08:54 UTC