Spain's Farmaindustria: pharma is growth option

Jesus Acebillo, the president of Farmaindustria - Spain's research-based pharmaceutical industry representative body, has presented the case for  the innovative drugmakers to be viewed as offering growth options in a  period of global economic difficulties.

However, he warned that the overall efficiency of the sector depends to  a large extent on the soundness of government decisions. Mr Acebillo  welcomed current moves to create a stable framework for R&D firms to  maintain their focus, while continuing to "participate responsibly in  the national health care system."

In particular, the new draft law on science and technology, under the  supervision of Cristina Garmendia, the Minister for Science and  Innovation, is prepared to make a financial commitment to supporting  pharmaceutical research in Spain. However, the legislation is not due to  reach the Cortes, Spain's parliament, until later in the year.