Press release: 11 October 2012

Leading stakeholders in the field of healthcare biotechnology gathered in Brussels this week to discuss European regulatory and policy implications for the future of their industry.  During the first of its kind EuropaBio two day conference- held during the BioPartnering Future Europe (BPFE)-  experts from industry, academia, financial institutions, policy and regulatory authorities put forward a series of recommendations  on overcoming hurdles to commercial success as well as how to create a better environment for driving innovation in Europe.

Day one of the conference had a specific SME focus where panellists’ debated policy improvements and incentives which should be made available to help overcome the hurdles for biotech SMEs, which play a crucial role in developing tomorrow’s healthcare solutions, on the way to market.  

Panelist Tom Saylor, Chair of the EuropaBio SME Platform and CEO of Arecor Limited, believes that a strengthened dialogue between regulators, payers and SMEs is crucial in overcoming the existing challenges to market access.  “My advice to SMEs is to analyse markets and focus early enough on developing robust business/commercial strategies which take into account the competive and regulatory environment.  Increasingly this must also include an understanding of trends in pricing, reimbursement and health technology assessment..  Smart, early and comprehensive business planning is the key to success.”

The second day of the conference focused on the importance and potential of biotech innovation in Europe to create smart, sustainable and inclusive growth for jobs and the economy.  Guest speakers included Mrs Paola Testori Coggi, European Commission, Director General of DG Health and Consumer Policy (SANCO) and Professor Guido Rasi, Executive Director of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), who provided a comprehensive overview of the major upcoming policy and regulatory developments for both small and large biopharmaceutical companies at European and national level. In addition to this, there was a dedicated debate to the opportunities and challenges in the field of Personalised Medicines as well as a discussion on the need to open clear pathways to access for all innovative biotechnology medicines.

Director of Healthcare Biotechnology at EuropaBio, Miriam Gargesi concluded after the discussions:  “We are extremely pleased to see so many key European stakeholders put forward crucial recommendations today for our industry, particularly focusing on the essential areas of personalised medicine, biosimilars, market access and cost efficiency.  Biotechnology can significantly contribute to a more efficient and sustainable healthcare system in Europe, whilst also growing the economy.  It is crucial that policy and regulation in Europe promotes the value and uniqueness of biotech medicines”.

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For further information or detailed recommendations, please contact:

Rosalind Travers

Manager, Communications & National Associations

Tel: +32 2 739 1173; GSM: +32 478 680 301 Email: r.travers@europabio.org

Or

Miriam Gargesi

Director, Healthcare Biotechnology

Tel: +32 2 739 1183; GSM: +32 477 650 473 Email: m.gargasi@europabio.org

About EuropaBio:

EuropaBio is the European Association for Bioindustries, bringing together bioscience companies from all fields of research and development, testing, manufacturing and distribution of biotechnology products. It has 56 corporate members, 14 associate members and Bio Regions and 19 National Biotechnology Associations- representing some 1800 small and medium sized enterprises across Europe.