Pharmaceutical industry associations join forces for an integrated European industrial policy for pharmaceuticals at the European business summit
Brussels (15 May - Brussels): EFPIA, the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, and EGA, the European Generic Medicines Association, are joining forces for an integrated European industrial policy for the pharmaceuticals sector. Europe’s healthcare systems have suffered from economic recession and austerity policies that have affected access to healthcare for EU citizens. The theme of this year’s EU Business Summit, “The Business Agenda 2014-2019: Rebuilding a Competitive Agenda” is an ideal platform for the pharmaceutical industry to present its vision of an integrated life sciences industry for Europe, one that will contribute to the health of EU citizens, and the economic prosperity of the EU.
Together, EFPIA and EGA call for three priority action points to build a healthier EU:
- Recognise that medicines are essential to improve patient outcomes and equity of access to healthcare across Europe;
- Support a more sustainable and predictable business environment to incentivise the pharmaceutical industry to invest in bringing better and more cost effective treatments to patients;
- Foster an environment that will make the EU an attractive global hub for pharmaceutical research and manufacturing.
Nick Haggar, President of the European Generic medicines Association said: “The European Generic medicines industry is investing in new research and manufacturing sites across Europe increasing growth and jobs and substantially improving access to medicines for patients. We can accelerate this with a dynamic European pharmaceutical industrial policy that combines support for research and manufacturing and new sustainable market models for specialty products like biosimilar medicines.”
Richard Bergström, Director General EFPIA, stated: “The research-based pharmaceutical industry has a lot to contribute to the EU, beyond the new medicines it produces to improve health outcomes. The industry employs over 700,000 people in Europe, accounting for 17% of total business enterprise R&D employment. During the economic crisis we have held on to our employees more than other sectors. With the EU elections approaching, there is no time like the present to start talking with potential leaders of tomorrow about how to pave the path towards a #HealthyEU in the future.”
EFPIA and EGA are looking forward to partnering with the next European Parliament and Commission to improve EU health outcomes and economic prosperity. An integrated European industrial policy for pharmaceuticals will make health systems more sustainable and, most importantly, improve patient access to the highest quality medicines.
About EGA
The EGA is the official representative body of the European generic and biosimilar pharmaceutical industry, which is at the forefront of providing high-quality affordable medicines to millions of Europeans and stimulating competitiveness and innovation in the pharmaceutical sector. The EGA is a member of the EunetHTA Stakeholder Forum. Generic medicines account for over 50% of medicines dispensed in Europe and the generic medicines industry employs 150,000 people and invests heavily in research and development centres across the European Union.
Media Contact
EGA Communications
Julie Chauvet
+32 2 5339812
jchauvet@egagenerics.com
www.egagenerics.com
About EFPIA
EFPIA represents the pharmaceutical industry operating in Europe. Through its direct membership of 33 national associations and 40 leading pharmaceutical companies, EFPIA provides the voice of 1,900 companies committed to researching, developing and bringing new medicines to improve health and quality of life around the world. The pharmaceutical industry invests 30 billion on research and development per year in Europe and directly employs 700,000 people including 116,000 in R&D units in Europe.
EFPIA members are committed to delivering innovative medicines to address unmet needs of patients and reducing the burden of chronic diseases for Europe’s ageing population. EFPIA believes in close cooperation with its stakeholders to help create sustainable healthcare systems and to develop prompt responses to health threats in Europe.
Media Contact
EFPIA Communications
+32 (0) 2 626 25 55
Find EFPIA Online
- Website – http://efpia.eu/
- Blog – http://efpia.eu/media/blog
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