MEPS vote for access to cheaper generics drugs in Europe; mixed industry reaction

European patients should have quicker access to cheaper "generic" medicines, according to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voting on a draft law on Wednesday. The draft rules will require authorities to meet new deadlines and transparency requirements on pricing and reimbursement. This vote gives a positive impulse to the Transparency Directive 2012/0035(COD; The Pharma Letter December 19, 2012) by adopting the text by a large majority in Plenary Session.

"It is unacceptable that delays in the pricing and reimbursement of medicines can sometimes reach more than 700 days. I am convinced that fair practices in our pharmaceutical market would also benefit patients and national health care systems", said Antonyia Parvanova (ALDE, BG), who is steering the legislation through Parliament. Her report was adopted with 559 votes in favor, 54 against and 72 abstentions. She will now negotiate an agreement with EU ministers.

Time is money