Zentiva Advocates for Sustainable Health and Pharmaceutical Reform in Europe

Zentiva's Commitment to Health in Europe

Zentiva, a leading pharmaceutical company, firmly believes that health is a fundamental right for all individuals, not a privilege available to a select few. This conviction aligns with the European Union's vision of inclusivity and the UN's Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which focuses on ensuring good health and well-being for all. As discussions surrounding pharmaceutical legislation reforms progress, Zentiva joins other stakeholders in the off-patent medicines sector, calling for decisive actions from the EU Health Ministers to secure not just a temporary fix, but a robust and sustainable healthcare system for all Europeans.

The ongoing dialogue emphasizes that ensuring access to necessary medicines is paramount for individuals everywhere in Europe. This reform is set to fortify Europe’s health systems by addressing medicine shortages, encouraging local manufacturing, and creating a fairer healthcare landscape. With 70% of prescription medicines categorized as generics, the access to and affordability of these critical healthcare needs cannot be overstated. Zentiva’s push for reform is not just a technical issue but a social imperative that directly impacts lives across the continent.

Impact of Off-Patent Medicines

As a significant contributor to the pharmaceutical market, off-patent medicines play a crucial role in the healthcare landscape. Zentiva actively participates in dialogues with European Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, discussing ways to enhance access and affordability of essential medicines throughout the EU. The recent meeting sheds light on the shared commitment of the off-patent industry to invest in European healthcare and serve the needs of patients effectively.

Steffen Saltofte, Zentiva's CEO, advocates for a legislative framework that is not only resilient but equitable. There must be a collective effort where stakeholders communicate openly to develop a system that meets the healthcare needs of all Europeans without leaving anyone behind. To foster an environment of innovation and accessibility, the EU must provide incentives for local manufacturing, streamline regulatory processes, and eliminate barriers that hinder access to medicines.

Call to Action: Essential Reform

Zentiva's call to action includes several critical recommendations for EU decision-makers:

1. Unified Market Approach: Establish harmonized principles that would facilitate quicker access to medicines while ensuring equal patient treatment across member states by reducing redundancy in regulatory procedures.
2. Affordable Treatment Support: Enhance competition in the market once patents or exclusivities end, alongside a refined understanding of the Bolar exemption crucial for affordability.
3. Prevent Medicine Shortages: Leverage digital tools for better coordination across the EU to mitigate medicine shortages.
4. Encourage Sustainable Innovation: Promote off-patent medicines innovation that can have a profound impact on addressing both health and environmental challenges.
5. Expansion of Critical Medicines Act: Broaden the principles of the Critical Medicines Act to encompass all essential medicines required for sustaining health and well-being, not just a select few.
6. Revise Environmental Policies: Reassess the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive to avoid disproportionate impacts that could endanger the availability of affordable medicines.

The urgency of these reforms cannot be overstated. With a staggering 9 out of 10 critical medicines classified as generics and approximately 40% of products lacking alternatives other than generics, it's essential for the EU to act decisively and swiftly. Access to affordable healthcare should not be a contentious topic; it is an obligation that must be fulfilled for every citizen.

About Zentiva

Zentiva is dedicated to providing health solutions that enhance the well-being of future generations. With operations extending across over 30 countries, the company manufactures high-quality, affordable medicines for more than 100 million people. It boasts a network comprising four wholly owned manufacturing facilities and numerous external partners, assuring its commitment to supply security. As a private equity-backed enterprise, Zentiva is poised for sustainable growth and dedicated to paving the way towards a better healthcare system.

The organization prides itself on its rich history, tracing back over 500 years to a traditional pharmacy in Prague. This legacy underscores its mission to act today for a sustainable tomorrow, ensuring that quality healthcare remains accessible for generations to come. For more information, please visit Zentiva's website.