Unlocking access: why innovation and partnership are key to reaching patients in Europe

This article is sponsored content, provided in partnership with Norgine.

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the journey from scientific discovery to patient access is more complex than ever. For medicines to reach those who need them most, especially in areas of high unmet need, pharmaceutical companies must embrace innovation not only in their science but in their approach to access, collaboration, and delivery.

Transforming lives through sustainable innovation goes beyond the laboratory. It means rethinking how companies work with partners, regulators, and healthcare systems to ensure that patients across Europe can benefit from the therapies they need, when they need them.

Europe is home to some of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems, yet access to medicines remains inconsistent. While regulatory timelines within the EU are harmonised (with the exception of the UK and Switzerland), national reimbursement processes and pricing negotiations vary widely across countries, creating delays and disparities in patient access.

This fragmentation calls for a more agile, collaborative approach, one that recognises the nuances of each market while maintaining a consistent commitment to patients. Innovation in access strategy is no longer optional; it’s essential.

When discussing innovation, it’s easy to focus on scientific breakthroughs. But true innovation also lies in how those breakthroughs are translated into real-world impact. It’s about the strategies, relationships and adaptability that bring science to patients, especially in rare and specialty areas. The approaches below are key to accelerating access and improving outcomes:

Early and sustained engagement with stakeholders: From regulators to payers to patient groups, engaging early helps shape development and access strategies that are aligned with real-world needs, especially in the rare and specialty space. Building these relationships fosters trust and ensures that the perspectives of all stakeholders are considered throughout the process.

Preparing and adapting to new legislation: Driving innovation by proactively monitoring European policy developments and equipping teams with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate emerging access procedures and legislative changes. This adaptability is crucial as the regulatory environment continues to evolve, with new frameworks and requirements emerging regularly.

Flexible commercial models: Value-based or outcome-based agreements and localised pricing strategies which take into consideration the nuances of each national healthcare system can help overcome access barriers. By tailoring approaches to the specific needs and constraints of each market, companies can facilitate broader access for patients.

Digital solutions: Leveraging real-world evidence and digital data collection can support informed decision-making and demonstrate value in diverse healthcare settings. The use of digital health technologies, such as remote monitoring and data analytics, is increasingly important in demonstrating outcomes and supporting reimbursement discussions.

Local manufacturing: Innovative manufacturing capabilities can enable faster delivery, reduce supply chain risks, and pioneer more responsive access to critical treatments, especially in rare and time-sensitive conditions. Local production also supports sustainability goals and can help mitigate disruptions caused by unforeseen global events.

At Norgine, we have a long history of bringing medicines to patients in Europe and based on this expertise, we are always looking for smarter, more sustainable ways to reach patients as we strive to navigate the complex EU healthcare ecosystem.

For organisations that do not have the regional knowledge or capabilities to launch across Europe, but have transformative assets addressing high unmet medical needs, partnering with EU-based pharmaceutical companies is a valuable option. Such collaborations can take many forms, from in-licensing agreements to co-development partnerships, and can be tailored to the unique strengths and needs of each party.

These partnerships offer strategic pathways to deliver innovation that might otherwise not reach patients. By leveraging the expertise of a potential partner, there is an opportunity to accelerate access to life-changing treatments, offering a reliable route to market and a shared commitment to improving patient outcomes. These alliances also enable smaller or less established companies to navigate the complexities of the European landscape, benefiting from established networks, regulatory know-how, and commercial infrastructure.

As the environment evolves, the need for innovative, patient-centric approaches to access will only grow. The rise of personalised medicine, increasing pressure on healthcare budgets, and evolving regulatory frameworks all point to a more complex, but also more opportunity-rich, environment. The growing emphasis on health equity and the need to address disparities in access further underscore the importance of collaborative, innovative solutions.

Pharmaceutical companies must be willing to challenge traditional models, embrace new ways of working, and build relationships across the healthcare ecosystem that encourage innovative thinking to accelerate the delivery of transformative treatments to patients. This includes not only working with other companies, but also engaging with policymakers, healthcare professionals, and patient advocacy groups to co-create solutions that address real-world challenges.

Ultimately, access is the measure of success. And success means ensuring that every patient, regardless of geography or system, has the opportunity to benefit from the therapies that can change their lives. By fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and patient focus, the industry can continue to make meaningful progress towards this goal.

References:
European Parliament. Improving access to medicines and promoting pharmaceutical innovation. EPRS Study, November 2023.

ISPOR. Global Access to Innovative Medicines in 2025: Europe’s Gaps and the UK’s Continued Decline. ISPOR Europe 2025.

IQVIA Institute. Defining Essential Innovative Medicines and Measuring their Use in Europe. September 2022.

EFPIA. Addressing Patient Access Inequalities in Europe. March 2022.

Vallano A, Pontes C, Agustí A. The challenges of access to innovative medicines with limited evidence in the European Union. Front Pharmacol. 2023.