74th WHO Regional Committee for Europe: WHO/Europe Access to Novel Medicines Platform
On 29 October 2024 in Copenhagen, Denmark, IFPMA and EFPIA delivered a statement at the 74th WHO Regional Committee for Europe on the WHO/Europe Access to Novel Medicines Platform.
This statement is delivered on behalf of IFPMA and its European member organization EFPIA. We would like to welcome the report by Dr Kluge on the work of the Regional Office for the past year, including the update on the Novel Medicines Platform.
Unequal access to innovative medicines in the European region is an issue of common concern for Member States, patients, healthcare professionals, and the private sector. The root causes for these inequalities are multifactorial, but includes variations in national pricing and reimbursement procedures, international reference pricing, evidence requirements, budget availability, healthcare infrastructure, and the corresponding impact on commercial decision-making in pharmaceutical companies. Whatever the cause in each situation, patients across the region deserve better, and can expect responsible authorities and stakeholders to work together to improve the situation.
Solving these issues requires a range of different tools and a detailed analysis of access barriers in each case, bringing together all relevant stakeholders. We therefore want to commend the Regional Director and his team for setting up the Novel Medicines Platform as a unique forum where Member States, payer organizations, the private sector, and NGOs including patient organizations can meet in a neutral space to discuss and identify key issues and joint solutions. We also welcome the opportunity to discuss access challenges specifically as regards smaller countries.
EFPIA is committed to continue supporting the Platform and identified initiatives, including to measure and benchmark access to medicines, supporting early dialogues on access and developing tools to support the fight against AMR. We are therefore ready to contribute through active participation in the projects, and in the form of a financial contribution through appropriate mechanisms should this be welcomed by Member States and other partners on the platform.
We hope for continued support for this initiative from all involved Member States and Non-State Actors, so that we can jointly take the next steps in fostering dialogue and creating meaningful change for patients across the region.
a joint statement BY:
About IFPMA
IFPMA represents the innovative pharmaceutical industry at the international level, engaging in official relations with the United Nations and multilateral organizations. Our vision is to ensure that scientific progress translates into the next generation of medicines and vaccines that deliver a healthier future for people everywhere.
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To achieve this, we act as a trusted partner, bringing our members' expertise to champion pharmaceutical innovation, drive policy that supports the research, development, and delivery of health technologies, and create sustainable solutions that advance global health.
