Medicines for Europe members supply most of the essential prescription medicines in Europe, accounting for 67% of dispensed medicines. These medicines cover 80% of therapy areas, including for major and debilitating diseases such as cardiovascular disease, auto-immune conditions, cancer, and diabetes, among many others.
The upcoming European elections will have a significant impact on the future of health policy in Europe. EU policies and decisions can shape national health systems and influence the health and well-being of millions of citizens across Europe.
Today, the Members of the Parliament’s health committee (ENVI) adopted a compromise position on the EU Pharmaceutical legislation review (comprising of a new Pharmaceutical Directive and Regulation). The Parliament has prioritised advancing this important legislation to improve the access, availability, and affordability of medicines ahead of the EU elections in June 2024 and prevent further delays of this much needed reform.
The legislative reform being prepared by the EU plans to promote the use of already approved drugs for new ailments. This route allows to accelerate the approval of treatments and save costs in research.
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The position adopted today by the European Parliament on the proposals for the Unitary Supplementary Protection Certificate (SPC) and SPC Regulation recast, led by MEP Tiemo Wolken, is a significant milestone for innovation and access to medicines across Europe in this important legislative process.
Medicines for Europe’s newly published position paper explores how the current design of procurement rules in EU Member States, often aimed exclusively at reducing costs, has led to the consolidation of supply and increased risks for supply security.
Adrian van den Hoven, chair of the International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (IGBA), which aims to foster market access for generic medicines, said that the evergreening of patent agreements artificially stretches monopolies and harms access to medicines.
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Medicines for Europe and its members are strongly concerned by the first judgement on the Supplementary Protection Certificate (SPC) manufacturing waiver issued by the Munich District Court, Germany in October 2023.
Medicines for Europe and its members are strongly concerned by the first judgement on the Supplementary Protection Certificate (SPC) manufacturing waiver issued by the Munich District Court, Germany in October 2023.
Medicines for Europe and the European Business Association (EBA) have jointly proposed strategic steps for the integration of Ukraine’s pharmaceutical industry into the European Union, which we believe can be implemented before Ukraine’s full accession to the EU. This initiative aligns with Ukraine’s candidacy for EU membership and aims to harmonize the country’s healthcare system and pharmaceutical market with EU standards.