US biotech industry gives view on new European pharma law

American biopharma companies have criticised new European pharmaceutical legislation designed to make medicines more available, accessible and affordable.

The European Parliament recently  approved the new law, which if ratified would create a simpler drug application process and a shorter period of exclusivity for innovative drugs.

While the region’s drugmakers have been critical of the proposals, they have also embraced certain aspects of the plan, and have successfully lobbied for changes, including removing a measure linking regulatory data protection (RDP) with broader availability of new drugs.