MSD

Europe is home to a rich innovation eco-system and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of a vibrant research-based pharmaceutical sector for the EU. To address future health threats and remain a global biopharmaceutical leader, the EU needs to implement pro-innovation policies that support companies’ investments to translate scientific excellence into medicines and vaccines that help citizens stay…

As a research-intensive global healthcare leader, MSD is committed to developing innovative medicines and vaccines that save lives and improve the health and well-being of people worldwide. With a significant footprint in the EU, we welcome the opportunity to emphasise the critical importance of the upcoming Biotech Act in shaping a competitive and future-proof biopharmaceutical ecosystem for Europe.

On behalf of MSD, I am pleased to submit our contribution to the Call for Evidence on the forthcoming Council Recommendation on cardiovascular health checks. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in the EU, with a substantial share driven by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) linked to cumulative exposure to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).

ABOUT MSD ANIMAL HEALTH MSD Animal Health is a global leader in animal health solutions, including technologies supporting fish health, disease prevention and traceability in aquaculture and fisheries. Through its work with fish farmers, researchers and public authorities, the company contributes to improving the sustainability, productivity and transparency of aquatic food systems.

MSD Animal Health welcomes the objectives of this initiative with the goal to develop better access to chemicals data for safety assessments. In particular we support initiatives to compile publicly available information and assessments in a single resource. We note that the primary aim is to better streamline the flow of data on chemicals between different sector authorities (EU and national).

MSD SUBMISSION TO THE OMP AND PAEDIATRIC ROADMAP As shown by the Commission's studies, the EU incentives framework has enabled research-based companies such as MSD to develop medicines for children. With over 260 new medicines for children, the EU’s Paediatric Regulation has proven its value.

As a One Health company, MSD Animal Health is committed to animal welfare and efficient farming. In addition to our vaccines and medicines portfolio, we are the leading the agritech company in the market, specialised in the developments of tools and technologies that allow for the electronic identification, monitoring and traceability of animals (livestock, fish, pets).

Pharmaceutical companies turn scientific insights into medicinal treatments by conducting lengthy R&D that establish the therapeutic properties of compounds for humans and animals. This “knowledge” is extremely difficult and expensive to produce, requiring over a decade of tests and clinical trials with a 90% failure rate in last phases. It is thanks to robust IP protection that we have medicines.

MSD Animal Health welcomes this opportunity given by the Commission to provide feedback on the Roadmap for animal nutrition and the aim of modernising EU rules on feed additives. MSD AH would like to encourage the Commission to also pay attention to the benefits provided by other disease prevention tools such as vaccines, in particular for addressing diseases such as coccidiosis in poultry farms.