How the EU can strengthen pharmaceutical competitiveness

By prioritising competitiveness and regulatory efficiency, the EU can empower its pharmaceutical sector to innovate and excel, addressing rare diseases and unmet needs.
The European Commission has made competitiveness the cornerstone of its plan for the new mandate. This presents the EU with a key moment to redefine its pharmaceutical landscape, writes Alexander Natz

By Alexander Natz

Alexander Natz is Secretary General of the European Confederation of Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs (EUCOPE)

03 Oct 2024

@EUCOPE


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In its new mandate, the European Commission has highlighted competitiveness as a cornerstone of its agenda. This renewed focus is timely and essential, especially in light of the Enrico Letta report on the future of the European single market, published in April, and the recent Mario Draghi report on the future of European competitiveness.

These comprehensive reports provide a wealth of policy proposals designed to foster a more globally competitive investment ecosystem, with significant implications for the pharmaceutical sector. As this sector undergoes a pivotal transformation through the revision of the General Pharmaceutical Legislation (GPL), understanding and implementing these recommendations is increasingly crucial.

The GPL revision is poised to be a game changer for the pharmaceutical industry within the European Union. This legislative overhaul aims to create a more agile, responsive, and innovation-friendly regulatory environment. However, the real challenge lies in ensuring that these reforms enhance, rather than hinder, the sector's global competitiveness. The reports emphasise the need for a robust and predictable investment framework, which is particularly critical for small and mid-sized innovative companies – the true engines of pharmaceutical innovation in Europe.

In September 2024, the European Confederation of Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs (EUCOPE)  proactively published  a high-level letter addressed to the leaders of EU institutions. This letter outlined EUCOPE’s vision for a strong and competitive pharmaceutical framework, specifically advocating for the needs of small and mid-sized companies. These companies are pivotal to driving innovation and bringing groundbreaking therapies to patients. The letter calls for an investment, regulatory, and industrial ecosystem that is not only robust but also predictable, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities these smaller companies face.

A critical aspect of this ecosystem is the rare disease sector, which requires urgent and sustained support. The EU is home to numerous innovative companies that are at the forefront of developing treatments for rare diseases, a field that represents some of the most challenging and rewarding areas of medical research. By prioritising rare diseases, the EU can advance healthcare while demonstrating its leadership in addressing unmet needs.

The rare disease ecosystem often faces unique challenges, such as smaller patient populations, which can make research and development more complex and costly. Therefore, creating a supportive environment for rare disease innovation is crucial.

This includes tailored regulatory pathways, incentives for research and development, and ensuring swift market access for new therapies. Such measures will both boost the competitiveness of the EU pharmaceutical sector and provide hope to people with rare conditions who currently have limited treatment options.

By embracing the recommendations from the Letta and Draghi reports, the EU has a unique opportunity to strengthen its pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the critical area of rare diseases.

A key aspect of this strategy is creating an environment that fosters innovation and ensures regulatory efficiency and streamlined market access. Such an approach would not only spur pharmaceutical advancements but also promote a sustainable healthcare ecosystem, benefiting both patients and the wider community.

The EU’s potential to lead in pharmaceuticals on a global scale hinges on its ability to implement these strategic reforms effectively. This entails a collaborative effort among EU Institutions, industry leaders and the broader healthcare community.

The revision of the GPL should be seen as more than a regulatory update: it is a strategic initiative to strengthen the entire pharmaceutical ecosystem in the EU, with particular attention to the rare disease landscape. By aligning healthcare policies with cross-sectorial initiatives, including industrial policy, the EU biotech communication, as well as the insights from Letta and Draghi reports, the EU can create a fertile ground for innovation.

This involves not just regulatory reforms but also ensuring that the market dynamics are conducive to the growth and development of small and mid-sized companies. These companies often face unique barriers, such as limited access to funding and navigating complex regulatory landscapes.

Addressing these challenges is essential for maintaining the EU’s competitive edge. This, in turn, will lead to a more vibrant and dynamic market, offering diverse and advanced therapeutic options to patients, including people living with a rare disease.

In conclusion, the EU stands at a critical juncture with the potential to redefine its pharmaceutical landscape. By prioritising competitiveness and embracing the proposed reforms, the EU can ensure that its pharmaceutical sector, including the vital rare disease ecosystem, remains a global leader. This strategic focus will not only benefit the industry but also improve healthcare outcomes for millions of citizens.

It is imperative that EU institutions, industry leaders, and stakeholders come together to implement these recommendations and build a future-ready pharmaceutical ecosystem.

EUCOPE remains committed to advocating for a framework that supports innovation, ensures regulatory clarity, and fosters a thriving market for innovative small and mid-sized companies, ultimately driving the EU towards a new era of pharmaceutical excellence.

 

Read the most recent articles written by Alexander Natz - Why rare diseases must remain in the political spotlight

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