Greek pharma trade group bemoans new measures that keep clinical trials away

On the occasion of the World Clinical Trials Day last week, the Hellenic Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (SFEE) held an event to raise awareness of the crucial role of clinical studies both for patients and for the economy, as well as to warn against the imminent threat posed to clinical research in the country by the implementation of new measures.

According to official data from the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), more than 75 billion euros ($84 billion) are invested every year in pharmaceutical research worldwide and more than 30 billion euros in Europe. Greece’s share in this amount is much smaller than those of other similar countries: for instance, Belgium attracts some 2.5 billion euros in clinical trials, thereby covering almost 50% of citizens’ needs for medicines, while in Greece less than 80 million euros is invested, of which 20% (16 million euros) goes to the State, 15% (12 million euros) to participating hospitals, 5% (4 million euros) to research fund management accounts (ELKEA/ELKE), covering only 4% of pharmaceutical needs.

SFEE vice president Spyros Filiotis stated: “Clinical trials are a great opportunity that remains untapped. The country fulfills all the conditions for attracting investment in clinical research and for increasing this investment threefold within three years, to up to 250 million euros annually. The benefits are multiple, especially for participating patients who receive free medicines and early and intensive medical care. However, for this to happen, Greece needs to rationalize and optimize the institutional framework; deal with red tape; establish a Special Secretariat for Clinical Trials at the Ministry of Health – so as to speed up the relevant processes; effectively reinforce the National Ethics Committee of EOF; and modernize the legal framework with a view to ensuring satisfactory compensation for the medical and nursing staff employed”.