EFPIA "regrets" delay in EC pharma proposals

The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations has expressed regret over the delay to the European Commission's "Pharmaceutical Package," which was announced in Strasbourg by the Industry Commissioner, Gunter Verheugen, (Marketletter October 27). The EFPIA has called upon the Commission to work rapidly to "resolve any differences to ensure these measures proceed with the minimum of delay." A spokesman for the group told the Marketletter that there is concern that European Parliament legislation on the issues raised by Mr Verheugen could be delayed until elections next June.

The package of measures proposed by the EC impacting the pharmaceutical industry included the "Communication on the future of the single market in pharmaceuticals for human use," which set out the Commission's vision for the sector.

Arthur Higgins, chief executive of Germany-based Bayer HealthCare and the EFPIA's president, acknowledged Mr Verheugen's desire to place quality ahead of speed in delivering the proposal. He said: "nevertheless, we are concerned by this unexpected delay. This package of measures is an integral part of the process of ensuring and securing the supply of safe, non-counterfeit medicines and to improve health literacy among patients. We hope that the Commission will do whatever is required to get the Pharmaceutical Package back on track."