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Zentiva's Call to Action for Pharmaceutical Reform in Europe

In recent developments, Zentiva, a leading player in the pharmaceutical industry, has joined the chorus of voices advocating for the finalization of pharmaceutical reforms within the European Union. The company's commitment emphasizes that health is a fundamental right, not a mere privilege. This aligns with the EU's vision of inclusivity, which seeks to ensure that no one is left behind, particularly in terms of accessing necessary medications.

The urgency of this initiative has been underscored by ongoing discussions surrounding the reform of pharmaceutical legislation. Zentiva stands firmly behind the EU's Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which focuses on health and well-being and recognizes that health issues are interconnected with various other sustainability goals. The company urges EU health ministers to prioritize this reform as a means of establishing and maintaining sustainable healthcare systems throughout Europe.

The pharmaceutical reform is not simply a technical adjustment to EU policies; it represents a crucial effort to guarantee that all Europeans, regardless of their location, have access to the medications they require. It is also aimed at preventing shortages, reviving production in Europe, and making healthcare systems more resilient and equitable. Furthermore, it recognizes the importance of sustainable practices, such as lowering carbon emissions and increasing the usage of renewable energy in manufacturing processes.

One of the noteworthy aspects of this movement is the collaboration between Zentiva and the organization Medicines for Europe, which represents the interests of off-patent medicines. Recent dialogues with the European Commissioner for Health, Olivér Várhelyi, have provided a platform for discussing how to turn these initiatives into concrete actions that enhance access to, affordability of, and production capabilities for essential medicines across Europe.

In a statement, Steffen Saltofte, CEO of Zentiva, articulated the need for effective, resilient, and equitable legislation in Europe. He emphasized that meaningful change can only be achieved through dialogue and understanding among stakeholders. While the off-patent medicine industry is actively investing in European-based solutions that benefit patients, it is essential for the EU to provide clear incentives, support for domestic manufacturing, and dismantle barriers that restrict access to medications for those who rely on them daily.

A significant concern raised by Zentiva is that isolating legislation, such as the recent Directive on Urban Wastewater Treatment, could jeopardize the availability and accessibility of essential medicines. In light of this, they have called on policymakers to advocate for the following measures:

1. Unified Market Principles: Act as a single market with harmonized principles to ensure quicker access to medications while minimizing regulatory redundancies.
2. Encourage Affordable Treatments: Promote competition from day one after patents or regulatory exclusivity expire, focusing on the clarification and harmonization of the Bolar exemption.
3. Prevent Medicine Shortages: Enhance coordination within the EU and develop digital tools to avert potential drug shortages.
4. Incentivize Innovation: Foster a landscape conducive to the development of innovative and life-changing off-patent medications that address critical health and environmental issues.
5. Expand Critical Drugs Legislation: Strengthen existing laws concerning critical drugs and broaden these principles to encompass all essential medications, recognizing the diverse needs of patients.
6. Adjust Environmental Legislation: Address and correct any disproportionate impacts stemming from environmental policies such as the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.

Given that approximately 70% of prescription medications are generics, and many of these are classified as critical, guaranteeing access and production of affordable medicines in Europe is paramount. There is no justification for delaying reforms that promise to benefit those who depend on these medicines every day.

About Zentiva

Zentiva has a rich heritage of delivering health and well-being across generations. As a European enterprise, it develops, produces, and distributes high-quality, affordable medicines to over 100 million individuals in more than 30 countries. With four manufacturing facilities and a robust network of external partners, they ensure a secure supply of pharmaceutical products. Committed to sustainable growth, Zentiva is driven by a dedicated team of over 5,000 individuals focused on delivering reliable healthcare solutions. Their foundation traces back over 500 years to a small pharmacy in Prague, emphasizing the enduring commitment to health and well-being that continues today.

For more information, visit www.zentiva.com.