Healthy Skepticism Library item: 16265

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Publication type: Report

European Commission
Executive Summary of the Pharmaceutical Sector Inquiry Report
2009 Jul 08
http://ec.europa.eu/competition/sectors/pharmaceuticals/inquiry/communication_en.pdf

Abstract:

THE SECTOR INQUIRY AND THE WIDER CONTEXT
The pharmaceutical sector is essential for the health of Europe’s citizens who need
access to innovative, safe and affordable medicines. On average approximately € 430
was spent on medicines in 2007 for each European and this amount will likely
continue to increase as the population in Europe ages. Overall, in 2007, the market
for prescription and non-prescription medicines for human use in the EU was worth
over € 138 billion ex-factory and € 214 billion at retail prices.
This report is part of well-established Commission policies and initiatives relevant to
the pharmaceutical sector including the Lisbon Strategy, the Commission’s Industrial
Property Rights Strategy1, the Communication on a Renewed Vision of the
Pharmaceutical Sector2 and the Innovative Medicines Initiative3. It should also be
viewed in parallel with the Commission’s regulatory activities addressing, in
particular, the safety, quality and efficacy of medicines4, the transparency of national
pricing and reimbursement procedures5 and the protection of intellectual property
rights. Indeed, given the importance of the pharmaceutical industry for economic
growth and employment, as well as its role for public health, the Commission is
committed to pursuing policies that create an environment conducive to ensuring the
viability of this sector.
The sector inquiry therefore ties in with other Commission initiatives aimed at
providing European patients with safe, effective and affordable medicines, while at
the same time creating a business environment that stimulates research, boosts
valuable innovation and supports the competitiveness of the industry.6