Commission to benchmark pharma industry's competitiveness

The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) welcomed the Commission's response to the G10 report but warned that it was important that the implementation and monitoring of the recommendations now started. "We reiterate our commitment to work closely with the Commission, all Member States and interested parties on the follow up to the G10 Report, the Commission Communication and next steps in the process," said Brian Ager, EFPIA Director General.

The Association of the European Self-Medication Industry (AESGP) welcomed the orientation of the Commission's Communication and the fact that it addresses the major difficulties in relation to competitiveness faced by the European self-medication industry, including price-setting for manufacturers of non-prescription medicines, advertising to the public of non-prescription medicines and the mechanisms to change a medicine's classification status from prescription to non-prescription. "This communication is a significant basis for the future development of self-medication in Europe," said AESGP Director-General Dr. Hubertus Cranz.

The European Consumers' Organisation (BEUC) has welcomed the Commission's commitment to improving patient information and to see a role for a multi stakeholder body in setting common standards and identifying areas where better patient information is needed. However, BEUC has warned that this body should be independent, rather than a public-private partnership. Information must be of high quality, unbiased, accurate and comprehensive. It should not seek to increase demand for a particular drug or put commercial interests ahead of public health.