Today, EFPIA hosted its first virtual Statutory General Assembly as Europe continues to count the human and economic cost of the on-going coronavirus pandemic. EFPIA President and CEO of UCB Pharma, Jean Christophe-Tellier said. “The crisis has underlined the importance of Europe’s research-based industry and R&D eco-system in building the region’s resilience to global health threats, addressing our on-going health challenges as well as being a key driver for the EU’s economic recovery.”

EFPIA Director General, Nathalie Moll said. “EFPIA members are coming together virtually at a time when Europe is considering its Pharmaceutical Strategy, a recognition of the importance of the sector to citizens, patients, health-systems and economies across Europe. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to see how we can ensure faster, more equitable access to medicines across Europe and create the policy environment in which the European industry can be a world leader in medical innovation.”

At this critical time for European Healthcare and the research-based industry, we are delighted to welcome Stallergenes Greer Ltd and Gilead Sciences as new members of EFPIA, as well as 14 new SME members[1] and 7 new Partners in Research.

Nathalie Moll went on to say “The addition of new EFPIA members underline the contribution our industry makes to Europe. Today, we launched a summary of our industry’s economic contribution to Europe during 2019, including investments of an estimated € 37,500 million in research and development and employing over 795,000 people. The figures highlight the key role our industry can and does play in Europe’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.”

[1] SMEs members: AiCuris, AM-Pharma B.V., Byondis, Da Volterra, Enyo Pharma, Genfit, Idorsia, Imcyse, Lysogene, Minoryx, Polyphor, ProQR Therapeutics, Spero Therapeutics, Transgene