Brussels, 6 June 2013

The Executive Committee of EFPIA, representing Europe’s research-based pharmaceutical companies, met today in Paris. Discussion focused on how the industry can best respond to the financial crisis in a spirit of partnership with European governments, while striking the right balance between the objectives of securing rapid patient access to innovative medicines, controlling public health expenditure and preserving a stable, predictable and attractive environment for research and manufacturing investments.

“We highly appreciate the willingness of the government to consider the research-based biopharmaceutical industry as a strategic industry and to take the right actions to ensure that France remains a home for pharmaceutical innovation. We view the next July 2013 meeting of the Conseil Stratégique des Industries de Santé (CSIS) as an important milestone for setting up a predictable policy and regulatory environment for research and production,” said Richard Bergström, Director General of EFPIA.

He added: “This is a key moment for the biopharmaceutical industry not only in France but across Europe. In the past, the example of France, as well as French leadership at European level, resulted in a modernised pharmaceutical regulation and an attractive environment for research and innovation. French policy makers were instrumental in the adoption of major EU industrial and health policy initiatives such as the patent term restoration regulation (so-called Supplementary Protection Certificate) in the early 90’s and the adoption of the Paediatric Medicine Regulation in the early 00’s. We believe that France should inspire European policy leadership with patient-centric policies responding to the needs of industry and other stakeholders.”

EFPIA member companies expect the French Government to:

• Secure stability and predictability in the policy and regulatory environment: EFPIA welcomes the continuous high level government / industry dialogue which is key to ensure the right balance between the various interests at stake;
• Ensure sustainable healthcare systems through the right mix of cost containment measures between the various healthcare expenditure segments, and by focusing on the off-patent market segments when pharmaceuticals are concerned;
• Secure improved reward for innovation by abandoning the price reduction policy which has mainly targeted innovative medicines over the past years.

In turn, EFPIA membership made it clear they were willing to engage in discussions in a spirit of open partnership, and understand the needs of governments to find new solutions to improve the efficiency of their healthcare systems.“It is only through open dialogue and cooperation that we can find pragmatic ways of bringing innovation to European citizens,” noted Bergström.

EFPIA welcomes the receptiveness of the government regarding improving market conditions, reducing complexity of administration, and modernising legislation to improve access to medicines in France. It also welcomes the statements of the French government that no further measures which could negatively impact the industry will be taken without a full process of consultation.

Philippe Lamoureux, Director General of LEEM added: “Europe is in a crisis. Growth will only come from sectors that innovate. A key way forward is to invest in Research and Development, in order to keep France and Europe capable of competing. France has the ability to strengthen Europe. The path chosen by the French government is encouraging but is not without challenges in light of the size of public deficits and the need to maintain a striving pharmaceutical research based industry in France. These are difficult issues and times. They need to be addressed in partnership."

About EFPIA:

EFPIA represents the pharmaceutical industry operating in Europe. Through its direct membership of 33 national associations and 39 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 27.5 billion on research and development per year in Europe and directly employs 660,000 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.

About LEEM:

Leem is the professional organisation representing pharmaceutical companies in France. It aims to promote collective initiatives on progress and quality, and promote the value of the sector.

Media Contact:

Communication Team

EFPIA 

Rue du Trone, 108

1050 Brussels

TEL: 0032.2.626.25.55

Email : communications@efpia.eu

LEEM Media Contact:

Stéphanie Bou                                                                                                                        
Press Attache
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75116 Paris

Email : Sbou@leem.org