EGA seeks EU-wide strategy to boost generic and biosimilar medicines sectors

Published: 10-Oct-2013

Companies represented within the EGA provide more than 150,000 jobs in Europe


The European Generic medicines Association (EGA) launched its policy vision for the future of the generic and biosimilar medicine industries in Europe at the EGA Industrial Policy Conference this week, gathering together more than 80 participants with representatives from the pharmaceutical industry, EU policymakers, EU stakeholders and patients.

The generic and biosimilar medicines sectors are recognised as being among the most competitive in Europe, providing high-quality medicines to millions of Europeans. Companies represented within the EGA provide more than 150,000 jobs in Europe.

Generic medicines save EU patients and healthcare systems more than €35bn each year and account for 54% of all dispensed medicines, but for only 21% of the pharmaceutical expenditure in Europe.

Issues highlighted at the Conference included the need for sustainable markets so that manufacturers can invest in high technology facilities and thereby create more jobs.

The current economic situation also requires the expansion of generic and biosimilar medicines to help governments manage rising healthcare costs.

In addition, the Conference urged the EU to adopt an advanced manufacturing provision to enable generic and biosimilar medicine producers to export to growing emerging markets.

'Europe remains a natural location for high-tech generic medicine manufacturers,' said Nick Haggar, incoming President of the EGA.

'The EGA is ready to partner with EU governments to develop a European industrial strategy to spur manufacturing, create skilled jobs and improve access to high-quality medicines for Europeans.'

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