European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations

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The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations(EFPIA) claims to represent the pharmaceutical industry operating in Europe being 'the voice on the EU scene of 2,100 companies committed to researching, developing and bringing to patients new medicines that improve health and the quality of life around the world'.[1] It is based in Brussels and its mission is to 'to improve the competitiveness of the research-based pharmaceutical industry in Europe in a regulatory and political environment, which above all stimulates R&D and rewards innovation.'[2]

In 2007, 27 European Union member states signed the Innovative Medicines Initiative. This alliance between the European Commission and the EFPIA has a budget of 2.0 billion euros ($2.94 billion) over a seven-year period aimed at 'giving a boost to the EU's competitiveness in biomedical innovation'. The EC and the EFPIA contribute each 1.0 billion euros. The Commission's funds are to be dedicated exclusively to public-sector participants and smaller firms while the EFPIA's members will provide private-sector investment.[3]

Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Novartis and Procter & Gamble were reported to plan launching the European Patient Information Channel, a pan-European television channel to promote prescription medicine information direct to the public (at present direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs is not permitted in Europe). The funding for this should come from the industry, with a board of medical, pharmaceutical and patient representatives.

According to the Guardian this idea was supported by European Patients' Forum, an umbrella group with indirect links to drugmakers, but others are less enthusiastic. The International Society of Drug Bulletins told the newspaper that "pharmaceuticals companies' messages are focused on relatively few top sellers, exaggerating effects and concealing risk, confusing patients and putting pressure on doctors to prescribe drugs that they would not use otherwise."[4]

EFPIA denied any connection to this project saying it was a pilot to explore a form of interaction between drug firms and patients. ABPI stressed that the pharmaceutical industry, while pressing for liberalization of information for the sector, was not seeking to advertise its products to the public. [5]

Membership

People

External Resources

References

  1. ↑ http://http://www.efpia.org/Content/Default.asp
  2. ↑ http://www.efpia.org/content/default.asp?PageID=90
  3. ↑ [IMI to be adopted by 27 EU states] Pharma Marketletter, December 14, 2007
  4. ↑ European pharma television channel coming soon? Pharma Marketletter, May 23, 2007
  5. ↑ European pharma television channel coming soon? Pharma Marketletter, May 23, 2007
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