EGA calls for EU industrial policy to boost competitiveness in biosimilars

There is a need for a European Union industrial policy for the biosimilar medicines industry, says the European Generic Medicines Association (EGA). “The EGA will therefore continue to be at the forefront of the biosimilars debate working with EU and global policy makers,” said Didier Barret, EGA president, in his opening address to the 9th EGA International Symposium on Biosimilar Medicines in London yesterday. The EGA president welcomed the EU biosimilars framework, which is operational and delivering, and also reminded the audience that biosimilar medicines have been safely in use for five years.

Greg Perry, EGA director general, in his talk developed the additional EU regulatory and industrial policy measures which are needed to capitalize on the EU advanced framework. “New and smart approaches are needed in order to facilitate further development and the sustainability of this industry sector,” he said. “The regulatory framework should be adapted to allow and accept global development programs for biosimilars in order to ensure the availability and affordability of this important category of medicines.”

Need to increase promotion of high standards