BRIEF—Legislative reforms near completion in Europe

As the European Commission (EC) comes to the end of a multi-year process for revising the general pharmaceutical legislation framework, drugmakers are urging lawmakers to prioritize research.

In the fourth quarter of 2022, as part of its pharmaceuticals strategy, the EC will draw from public feedback to adopt changes to legislation with a broad range of objectives.

The EC has said it wants to: ensure access to affordable medicines; foster innovation; improve security of supply; adapt to new scientific and technological developments; and reduce red tape.

In a blog post, Bristol Myers Squibb vice president Emmanuel Chantelot said the revisions provided “a tremendous opportunity to nurture the growth of the pharmaceutical research ecosystem in Europe.”

He said the EC had “already made positive steps in recognizing cancer as key healthcare priority through its Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan,” adding: “This is critical given the 21% increase in cancer rates expected by 2040.”