EFPIA and EGA Join Forces in Life-Sciences Strategy for Europe

The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) and the European Generic medicines Association (EGA) have announced the reiteration of their joint Europe 2020 Strategy submission ahead of the adoption of the European Commission Work Programme.

Both associations welcome Commission President Juncker Commission’s work programme for an industrial policy for the globalization era and the value placed in the pharmaceutical sector. According to the joint submission, which spells out proposals for an integrated life-sciences strategy to boost health and wealth in Europe, the EU pharmaceutical sector can compete globally if the EU:

· Adopts efficient regulatory measures through open and transparent input from healthcare stakeholders;

· Promotes stable and predictable pharmaceutical markets that support investment in innovation and that stimulate healthy and sustainable generic and biosimilar medicines competition;

· Makes Europe an attractive location for investment in research, development and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals;

· Cooperates with the industry to address new health risks and expand its manufacturing capabilities to securely provide for its own medicine needs.

In a press release, Richard Bergström, director general of EFPIA, commented that he is pleased that EFPIA and EGA have come together in this important initiative to help boost the EU pharmaceutical sector’s competitiveness. “The Competitiveness Council recently called on the Commission to pursue sectorial initiatives, notably for high growth potential sectors. The pharmaceutical industry is one such sector and this innovative industry, if integrated correctly in European value chains, holds great potential to continue to enhance EU competitiveness,” said Bergström.

Adrian van den Hoven, EGA’s director general EGA, stated, “The pharmaceutical sector is a partner for better health and for growth and jobs in Europe. We need a decisive pharmaceutical industrial strategy to boost our manufacturing capacities to serve Europe.”

EFPIA and EGA will be working closely with healthcare stakeholders to support the vision of an integrated life-sciences strategy that will further support the Europe 2020 Strategy and contribute to a healthier and more prosperous EU.

Source: EFPIA