About: medicines
Katainen: Same level of priority for food and medicine in no-deal Brexit
Medicine supplies and food safety standards are both vital and the EU cannot prioritise one over the other in the event of a no-deal Brexit, Vice President of the Commission Jyrki Katainen said on Thursday (4 April).
Flurry of agreements to cushion blow of no-deal Brexit
As Britain tries to steer away from a dreaded "no-deal" divorce with the EU, a flurry of agreements are being hammered out to cushion the most painful blows.
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.
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.
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.
Pharmaceutical company withdraws oncology drug from Greek market
A multinational pharmaceutical company has decided to withdraw an innovative oncology medicine from the Greek market, claiming that its price has fallen more than 50% because of the government’s regulatory interventions in the pharma area, EURACTIV.com has learnt.
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.
EU drug agency announces ‘business continuity’ plan amid relocation uncertainty
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) presented on Tuesday (1 August) a business continuity plan aimed at tackling the potential challenges poised by its relocation from London to another member state after the Brexit decision.
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.
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.
London wants to protect free movement of talent after Brexit
Controls on EU immigration played a key role in the Brexit vote. However, the UK government now says that it wants to protect the free movement of researchers and talent, which are crucial for the life sciences sector. EURACTIV.com reports from Lyon.
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.
Lawmakers warn EU pharma industry about drug pricing
Pressure is mounting on pharmaceutical companies to reconsider the way they do business by refocusing their efforts on meeting patient needs and health outcomes rather than their own profits.
OECD criticises ‘ineffective spending’ in healthcare
Health spending in countries that belong to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is "at best ineffective and at worst wasteful", a new report has found.
Novartis under scrutiny for alleged pharma scandal in Greece
The Greek government launched an official investigation into pharmaceutical giant Novartis, following the publication of allegations of corruption and bribery in national news media.
Italy’s pharma scandal heats up drugs pricing debate
The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) has urged the European Commission to investigate pharma-industry “unethical” practices on drug pricing, after a scandal revealed last week in Italy.
Parliament wants harmonised criteria for drug pricing and reimbursement
The European Parliament will seek an increased EU role in regulating the pharmaceutical market and controlling rising drug prices, according to a draft report seen by EURACTIV.com.
EU drugs agency to unveil results on ‘early medicines’ project this week
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) will this week publish the much-awaited results of a pilot project on the early marketing authorisation of drugs, EURACTIV has learnt.
EU health ministers confront crisis in affordability of medicines
EU health ministers took reluctant steps last Friday (17 June) to address the rising price of medicines.
Rising medicine costs burden global health systems
France is leading calls for the G7 to act against the inflation of medicine prices. Treatment costs are rising in rich countries, but can be even higher in the developing world. EURACTIV France reports.
Big pharma complains about French law pushing cheap eye drug
Europe's pharmaceuticals industry said on Tuesday (1 September) it had filed a complaint with the European Commission against a French law promoting the use of Roche's cancer drug Avastin as an alternative to more expensive eye treatments.