Strategy brings momentum to effectively address medicine shortages and high prices, a long-standing issue in the EU. Everyone should have access to safe and effective treatment, at the right time and at affordable prices. Today’s strategy provides a solid basis for the EU and Member States to make this happen everywhere in Europe. Medicine shortages are sadly nothing new, and the Covid-19 pandemic has only made the situation worse. Consumer groups report that shortages disrupt consumers’ lives in many ways. Patients may, for example, see their disease get worse, face higher costs for alternative treatments or have to travel abroad to buy their medicines.
Skyrocketing prices of medicines are impeding and threatening consumer access in the EU. It is high time the current system to incentivize drug research and development is revisited, to ensure that pharma companies’ market new treatments and that they are also affordable. The Strategy rightly flags the need to shed light on research and development costs, which is crucial for fair medicines pricing. The Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe aims to ensure patients have access to innovative and affordable medicines and to support the competitiveness, innovative capacity and sustainability of the EU’s pharmaceutical industry. Ensuring access to affordable medicines for patients and addressing unmet medical needs. Supporting competitiveness, innovation and sustainability of the EU’s pharmaceutical industry and the development of high quality, safe, effective, and greener medicines. Enhancing crisis preparedness and response mechanisms and addressing security of supply. Ensuring a strong EU voice in the world, by promoting a high level of quality, efficacy, and safety standards.