About: drugs
Cocaine trafficking reaching record highs, says EU drug agency
Cocaine seizure in the EU reached record highs in 2017 and the trafficking of synthetic drugs has also increased, according to this year's European Drug Report. A closer look into Berlin's drug help centre shows how drug consumption is linked to mental health. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Heavy workload delays EU report on environmental impact of drugs
The European Commission’s much-awaited communication on the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals is at an “advanced stage” but might not be adopted in the near future because of other legislative initiatives on the agenda, an EU official has told EURACTIV.com.
Andriukaitis: SPC manufacturing waiver does not damage pharma innovation
The European Commission’s proposal to add an SPC manufacturing waiver on exports will not damage innovation, as the pharma industry claims, and only intends to support small and medium generic drug companies, according to EU Health Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis.
Philippines bars EU party official critical of Duterte
The Philippines has barred entry to an EU party official critical of President Rodrigo Duterte's brutal drugs crackdown, in a move denounced by critics Monday (16 April) as a gag on dissent.
Bitcoin and darknet, European dealers’ toolkit
The dismantling of online drug platforms last summer has highlighted the primary role of e-commerce for Europe’s drug trade. EURACTIV France reports.
Athens brings its dispute with pharma industry to the EU Council
The next EU Health Council on 8 December will discuss the “lack of drug availability in Greece”, amid mounting tensions between the leftist government in Athens and the pharmaceutical companies.
EMA relocation should consider the wellbeing of all Europeans
The competition for the European Medicines Agency is not a horse race but the first concrete, effective decision the EU has to make in the wake of Brexit - and one with long-lasting consequences. A responsible yet ambitious mindset is therefore in order, writes Sandro Gozi.
Pharmaceutical company gives free access to drug after clash with Greek government
Following a clash with the Greek government over its decision to withdraw a cancer drug from the market, ROCHE, a Swiss multinational company, ultimately decided to make the drug available to patients for free.
New Commission study fuels generic drugs industry ‘manufacturing dispute’
The European Commission launched on Thursday (12 October) a public consultation on supplementary protection certificates for pharmaceutical products and the so-called Bolar patent research exemption.
Patients: ‘Think carefully’ before questioning orphan drugs’ incentives
Organisations of patients with rare diseases have warned EU policymakers to “think carefully” before reviewing the incentives in the orphan drugs regulation, claiming that the pharma industry should not be discouraged from investing in new therapies.
Pharma innovation
Hit hard by austerity, the health systems of EU member states are under huge pressure. Combined with an aging population and the alarming burden of chronic illnesses, EU member states have targeted specific aspects of the incentives granted to the pharma industry in order to decrease drug prices.
Andriukaitis: Supporting drug innovation is ‘the only way’
Backing innovation in the pharmaceutical market and developing new evidence-based economic models is the only way forward for future healthcare, according to EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis.
Gastein boss: Drugs access is ‘sensitive’ and cannot be viewed in isolation
Accessibility of medicines is a sensitive issue that must not be examined in isolation. Policymakers, academics, business and patients must be part of the discussion as well as “innovation” because access would not get the focus it needs without it, according to Dorli Kahr-Gottlieb.
Croatia minister on EMA: ‘Moral’ obligation to favour a country without EU agency
In assessing the relocation of the EU drugs agency EMA, old member states have a "moral and political obligation" to give an advantage to those candidate countries that do not currently host another EU agency, Croatia’s health minister told EURACTIV.com.
Athens and Milan throw names into EU medicines agency hat
Hosting the European Medicines Agency brings considerable economic benefits to the host city as the service employs more than 1,000 people, paid by the EU. Athens and Milan are keen to secure a slice of this lucrative pie.
Dutch health minister: EMA relocation is not entertainment, listen to the Commission
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is not a toy to be played with by politicians, Edith Schippers told EURACTIV.com. The decision on the agency's relocation should be based on the European Commission's assessment, she argues in an interview.
Drug agency relocation talks divide old and new EU members
The debate over where to relocate the London-based European Medicines Agency (EMA) after Brexit has divided the other 27 EU member states, despite calls for an urgent decision from the drugs industry and patient groups.
UK biotech boasts Europe’s best pipeline as Brexit looms
Britain's biotech sector boasts the strongest new drug pipeline in Europe but industry leaders say it needs continued access to global talent, funding and regulatory clarity to thrive in the future - all of which could be jeopardised by Brexit.
Commission opens first investigation into excessive drug pricing
The European Commission announced yesterday (15 May) that it opened a formal investigation into Aspen Pharma's pricing practices for cancer drugs.
Southern EU states present unified front in drug talks
Six southern member states have signed a common declaration, aiming to enhance their cooperation and jointly negotiate with the pharmaceutical industry on drug pricing.
NGOs urge rapid relocation of EU drug agency
Patient organisations warned the European Council yesterday (12 April) to be “vigilant” in the relocation of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as avoid unnecessary delays that may cause disruptions in healthcare.
EU Parliament demands clarity in public funding of drugs R+D
A European Parliament resolution adopted yesterday (2 March) called for transparency and clarity of public funding on research and development of new drugs, claiming that in such cases public investment should be reflected in the price of drugs.
Commission must bring healthcare to the fore
Given that the current European Commission has not prioritised healthcare, it looks as though it is up to the European Parliament to push the agenda, writes Denis Horgan.