Paul Burden elected BGMA Vice-Chair, bringing 25 years of industry leadership

Veteran of off-patent sector to drive strategic engagement and patient access initiatives at BGMA

The British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA) has announced the election of Paul Burden, currently the UK Vice President Rx for Stada Thornton & Ross, as its next vice-chair.

The appointment, effective immediately, underscores Burden’s 25 years of experience within the off-patent medicines sector.

Burden's career spans various commercial leadership roles with prominent companies such as Arrow Generics, Mylan, Teva, and Advanz.

Since 2011, Burden has been involved with the BGMA, chairing the economic and commercial working group for four years.

His influence shaped the association’s stance on critical issues such as generic pricing, the falsified medicines directive, economic data, voluntary schemes, and supply chain challenges.

In accepting his new role, Burden expressed commitment to enhancing recognition of off-patent medicines’ role in NHS patient care:

“Off-patent medicines represent the vast majority of prescription products taken by NHS patients, so it is vitally important their contribution is properly recognised by clinicians and policymakers alike.”

He emphasised his dedication to ensuring the UK maintains a robust, competitive, and sustainable off-patent pharmaceutical sector.

Mark Samuels, Chief Executive of the BGMA, hailed Burden’s appointment, highlighting his extensive industry leadership:

“We are very fortunate to be able to call upon the experience of someone like Paul who has held so many senior positions in our sector. His input as vice-chair will be vital in the next phase of the association’s engagement.”

Burden will succeed Diane DiGangi-Trench as BGMA vice-chair when her tenure concludes, continuing the association’s mission to support the Department of Health & Social Care and the NHS in improving patient access to affordable medicines.

The BGMA represents major players in the UK generic medicines market, supplying approximately 85 per cent of the market by volume and contributing significantly to NHS cost savings.

With over a billion generic items prescribed annually, the association plays a crucial role in ensuring medication affordability and availability across the healthcare system.