Compare organizations

HAI welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback to the evaluation and revision of the general pharmaceutical legislation and appreciates the importance of the initiative taken by the European commission to update and adapt a keystone of the European Health Union.

The evaluation and revision of the general pharmaceutical legislation is the opportunity to create a future-proof, patient-oriented and leading life sciences and biotechnology sector in the EU. New biotechnology-derived vaccines and treatments have helped to tackle numerous life-threatening illnesses. Targeted cell and gene therapies and new mRNA platforms are paving the way for future treatments.

In the last 20 years, biotech transformed the pharmaceutical industry and enabled the development of breakthrough therapies that are live-saving or significantly improving quality of life of patients and their families. The development of biotech in Europe also continues to positively contribute to the regions economic well-being.

Health Action International (HAI) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the ‘Revision of the EU legislation on medicines for children and rare diseases’ and commends the European Commission for the thorough and comprehensive consultation process that is shaping the reform of legislation on this topic.

Developing medicines for children and rare diseases is a lengthy and complex undertaking. Much less is known about these illnesses when compared to more common conditions, meaning extensive research is required before scientists and researchers can seek to transform their ideas into potential treatments.

Health Action International (HAI) welcomes the step taken by the European Commission towards an enhanced use of Compulsory Licenses (CL) in EU territory; such measure will have a positive impact on access to medicines and health technologies, strengthening the ability of governments to fulfill the human right to health beyond crisis or exceptional circumstances.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance for Europe to have the right tools to respond to major health crises. The EU has already adopted several laws to improve its ability to respond to health emergencies and the coordination between the Member States.

The European Commission proposal COM(2023)224 and accompanying documents is an overdue step forward towards a more nuanced balanced between innovation and access as it aims to streamline and facilitate the use of Compulsory Licenses.