Red tape holding back innovation: Conference highlights need for change
02.04.13
Thanks to advances in science and technology, we can now classify many diseases at the molecular level, allowing for the possibility to develop highly targeted treatments tailored to a disease’s unique molecular makeup. “Personalised medicine promises a wealth of new possibilities for European patients, by making healthcare delivery as tailored to the individual as their fingerprints,” Minister Reilly explained. Successes have already been seen in unique cancer treatments customised to specific tumour types; in the future, we may be able to address thousands of unique tumour types in this way.
The possibilities offered by personalised medicines are astounding – but the EU regulatory environment is standing in the way of advancement. Organised as part of the Irish Presidency of the EU by the European Alliance for Personalised Medicine (EAPM), Monday’s conference brought together researchers, policymakers, patient groups, and healthcare professionals to discuss this issue. Points of concern included the need for more flexible systems for pricing and reimbursement that can effectively incentivise personalised medicines development. A need to support collaboration was another highlight, for instance by funding public-private partnerships devoted to such research.
If the EU wants to benefit from the possibilities offered by personalised medicines, investment is required – and this doesn’t mean just monetary investment. We also need to invest the time and energy necessary to support ambitious research agendas. The discussion at last week’s EAPM conference is a step in the right direction – but further steps are needed if we are to ensure a positive future for innovative medicines in the EU.
