EU pharma forum struggles to produce results
An EU pharmaceutical forum tasked with making solid recommendations on improving competitiveness within the EU pharmaceutical industry and related public health issues has yet to achieve its goals, despite being launched in June 2005 (http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_overview/other_policies/pharmaceutical/forum_en.htm).
A progress report noted that specialist panels had been focusing on three key issues: information to patients; pricing and reimbursement; and 'relative effectiveness' in balancing health benefits of different medicines. The deadline for the forum to deliver detailed advice has now been set at June 2007, with forum members being asked to consider draft conclusions on these priority issues.
However, more work will be required following this, with most progress being achieved thus far on patient information, where a model for manufacturers is being developed.