In his address on the occasion of EFPIA’s 30th anniversary, EFPIA President and CEO of Bayer Healthcare Arthur Higgins showcased some of the historic milestones amongst the numerous achievements in the history of the Federation since 1978 – the year artificial insulin was discovered. The most important achievements of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) are the support of the set-up of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), the Supplementary Protection Certificate, the industry’s contribution to the EU Regulations on Paediatric Medicines and on Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products, as well as the Orphan Drug Regulation.

Innovative Medicines Initiative: revival of industry through enhancement of research funding

The participants of the EFPIA Annual Meetings also took stock of the progress of the AIMS roadmap that defines the focuses of the Federation’s work and that was brought forward when EFPIA President Higgins took office in 2007. The recently launched “Innovative Medicines Initiative“ that was developed within the field Innovation is the first joint initiative of the European Commission and the pharmaceutical industry. The initiative, equipped with a total budget of two billion Euro, focuses on the bottlenecks in drug discovery and development and is to boost biomedical innovation in Europe. This major project makes a significant contribution to the revival of the European pharmaceutical industry that wants to regain its leadership as the pharmacy of the world.

Progress in patient information and in the fight against Counterfeiting

During the past year, the Federation succeeded especially in the fields patient information and anti-counterfeiting. The European Commission’s report on current practices with regard to the provision of information to patients advocates a liberalisation of the framework for health information and recommends to allow the industry in particular cases the provision of objective and non-promotional information on prescription medicines. Especially with regard to this aspect, the industry can prove to be a competent and reliable partner. Furthermore, better access to health and drug information would empower citizens to take a more active role in managing their health.

Good results were achieved within the “Security”-field of the AIMS roadmap with regard to product traceability. Amongst the measures to improve product integrity is a consultation document on a legal proposal of the European Commission that puts forward a ban on repackaging for a better protection of patient health and security. In addition, the Federation launched an anti-counterfeiting campaign to increase public awareness on the risks of counterfeits. The programmes of both the European Commission and the French Presidency prioritize the fight against counterfeiting.

Award for Bayer researcher

As evidence of the significance of partnerships for the future success of the industry, the Federation recognized 30 scientists of various disciplines from all over Europe, either because they can look back on a successful career or because they are working on promising new projects. Among the awarded scientists is Dr. Johannes-Peter Stasch of Bayer Healthcare, who is honored for his achievements in the fundamental research in cardiology.

More information:

• External Link: EFPIA’S AIMS roadmap
• External Link: Counterfeiting Initiative
• External Link: Innovative Medicines Initiative