Spain's patent moves to boost drug R&D

Spain's pharmaceutical industry is committed to increasing R&D spending from 6.5% of turnover at present to about 10% over the next few years, the Marketletter's European correspondent reports. The commitment is dependent on the completion of negotiations of a drug sector plan with the government led by the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (SPOE) of Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero to establish a clear framework for R&D investment.

The objectives of the accord include the protection of patents, the control of drug spending and public access to drug treatments. Health Minister Bernat Soria has indicated to the annual general meeting of the drug industry body Farmaindustria that the sectoral plan - part of an overall economic growth package - should be on view within the next few months.

Mr Soria also told the Farmaindustria conference that the government intends to introduce "full harmonization" of Spain's patent legislation to European Union standards before the end of the year. In response, Humberto Arnes, the pharmaceutical association's president, said that a country which is committed to drug innovation requires a political and legal solution in this area.