Industry Welcomes Proactive Approach of European Commission on COVID-19

The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) has welcomed the latest statement by the members of the European Council on efforts to tackle COVID-19.

In a March 27, 2020 press release, Nathalie Moll, director general of EFPIA said, “We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with heads of States and European governments in their efforts to limit the spread of the virus, provide medical equipment, promote research, and tackle the socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 crisis.As an industry, our immediate priorities are finding new vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments for COVID-19, supporting governments and health systems on the ground, and ensuring the supply of medicines to the patients that need them.”

Additionally, in the press release, it was noted that as Europe is now at the epicenter of the pandemic, the region is facing continual challenges in ensuring that medicines are getting to patients. As a result, EFPIA has stated its support of a single point of contact in the commission that will facilitate coordination of all measures impacting medicines production and supply, and that will have the authority to call on key directorates for rapid decisions or support. 

Furthermore, EFPIA members are confirmed to be working collaboratively in research and development of treatments to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak and have been praised for continued donations that are being made to support organizations at the heart of the crisis. “The statement from the council underlines the solidarity needed to face the challenges of COVID-19, I have been heartened and encouraged by the level of collaboration and communication across industry, across the life-science sector, with regulators and the European Institutions to tackle this crisis,” concluded Moll in the press release. “Critical now, and I hope a sign of how we can work together to re-start Europe’s economy post COVID-19.”

Source: EFPIA