European specialty group Norgine has renewed its membership with the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry after having cut ties with the organisation in October 2008.

At the time, Norgine said its split with the Association was because the group no longer represented the interests of smaller, specialist firms, and that its agenda was driven by the interests of its largest multinational members.

Now it has decided to rejoin "because we believe that the work of the ABPI is fundamental in ensuring that the interests of large and small pharmaceutical companies are well represented when leaving the EU and ultimately, to ensure that UK patients are not left behind when the rest of Europe are accessing new treatments," a company spokeswoman told PharmaTimes Digital.

"This is important because Norgine BV has an established UK presence in Harefield and Hengoed, and we are the largest pharmaceutical manufacturing employer in Wales," she added.

"Norgine is committed to the UK and is welcoming the opportunity to work with the ABPI," noted the firm's chief operating officer Peter Martin.

"These are exciting and challenging times for our industry - we look forward to working with all the staff at Norgine to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of helping patients prevent and overcome diseases," added ABPI chief executive Mike Thompson.

"As we plan for life outside the European Union and address the opportunities within the Government's Industrial Strategy, having Norgine's support, with their heritage of adapting and responding to challenges together with their focus on innovation and partnership, comes at an opportune time."

The ABPI said it welcomed seven new members in 2016: Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Pharma Mar, Shield Therapeutics, Sintetica, SOBI, Tesaro and Roche (which re-joined the Association).