Europe's New Drugs Delayed: Access Worsens for Patients

Access to innovative medicines for European patients is deteriorating, as reported by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA).

A commissioned study by the EFPIA indicates a significant return on investment for new medicines. It estimates that each euro spent on these treatments generates €5.67 in benefits, encompassing reduced hospital costs and enhanced workforce productivity.

Drug manufacturers are increasing pressure on European governments regarding medicine pricing. They caution that stringent cost-containment measures could diminish the region's attractiveness for investment and subsequently delay patient access to novel therapies. Some companies are even postponing European launches while evaluating the financial impact of lower prices on their U.S. revenue streams.

Additional data from EFPIA reveals a concerning trend: the average time for an approved drug to reach patients in Europe has risen to 597 days, an increase from 504 days in 2019. The research, which examined cancer, diabetes, and respiratory disease treatments across 29 European countries from 2014 to 2022, was conducted by the WifOR Institute and economist Frank Lichtenberg. It estimated that newer medicines have contributed to 1.83 million fewer years of life lost before age 85 and 20.9 million fewer hospital days, alongside significant workforce productivity gains and cost savings.

The EFPIA further highlights that Europe has experienced a nearly 25% reduction in its share of global pharmaceutical R&D investment over the past two decades. The organization urges governments to reframe spending on innovative medicines as a crucial investment rather than merely a short-term cost.