New measures proposed in Greece could mean a pharmaceutical "Grexit," says trade group

At a press conference held last week, the Hellenic Association of Pharmaceutical Companies (SFEE) issued an ultimate distress call and a strong warning against the irreparable detrimental consequences for Greek patients from the imminent Ministry of Health measures.

The SFEE presented evidence from the application of the new proposed measures on the entry of new medicines in the Greek market; far from saving resources, these measures only serve to kill the hopes of patients and drive innovation out of the country.

According to the new proposed measures, the entry of innovative treatments for severely and chronically ill patients in Greece will be delayed by two-four years, or not take place at all, being subject to the requirement of a prior positive HTA (Health Technology Assessment) assessment by six European (UK, France, Italy, Portugal, Sweden and Spain). This means significant delays in the access to new innovative medicines for people who do not have the luxury of time and for whom these treatments may be their only hope. Meanwhile, the additional mandatory upfront discount of 25%, which “penalizes” new medicinal products increases the overall burden to over 60% (volume rebate 20% + rebate 25% on new medicines + an average claw-back of 17%), makes it unprofitable to introduce such products and kills the pharmaceutical market.