Overview

This bill mandates that all medicinal products sold in the UK must display a label stating that animal research was used in their development, production, or testing. Failure to comply results in fines for pharmaceutical companies.

Description

The Medicinal Labelling Bill requires a clear statement on every medicinal product label indicating the use of animal research at any stage of its development, production, or assessment of safety and efficacy. This applies to all drugs, medicines, and vaccines listed in the British National Formulary, both prescription and over-the-counter. "Animal" is defined as any vertebrate animal other than humans.

Penalties

Pharmaceutical companies failing to comply face penalties: a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum on summary conviction, or a fine on indictment (the amount unspecified). Penalties apply per product sold or dispensed. The penalty section of the act comes into effect six months after the bill is passed.

Scope

The act applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The main provisions of the bill come into force immediately upon passage, except for the penalty section.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify government spending. The cost to the government will likely involve enforcement and administration of the new labeling requirement. The cost to pharmaceutical companies will be incurred through labeling changes and potential fines for non-compliance. No specific figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

Pharmaceutical Companies: Will face costs associated with label changes and risk fines for non-compliance.

Consumers: Will be informed about the use of animal research in the production of medicines.

Animal Rights Groups: May view the bill positively for increased transparency.

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