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Zentiva's Plea for Reevaluation: The Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive

In a landscape confronted by growing geopolitical tensions and evolving legislative frameworks, Zentiva is raising its voice for a pause and reform of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD). At the heart of this appeal is a crucial dialogue facilitated by Medicines for Europe, which recently gathered policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders during its annual conference in Brussels. The primary focus was on building a resilient health union that guarantees safety, access, and competitiveness in pharmaceutical provision.

Context and Concerns

The conference spotlighted critical discussions surrounding the implementation of the UWWTD, the development of the Critical Medicines Act, and the roles of biotechnology and digitalization in health systems. Among the pressing issues, participants examined the sustainability of procurement models and health budgets while ensuring people’s access to affordable medication, particularly for individuals reliant on daily prescriptions.

Steffen Saltofte, CEO of Zentiva, took part in a panel discussion centered on “Access to Medicines within the Framework of Clean Transition and One Health.” He advocated for a clean transition that does not jeopardize medicine availability, underscoring the urgent necessity for a re-evaluation of the UWWTD’s current execution.

Across Eastern and Western Europe, the general sentiment among industry stakeholders is that the existing measures imposed by the directive could potentially hinder accessibility to crucial medicines. Saltofte revealed concerning realities through case studies from Germany and the Czech Republic, where the implications on the generics industry are becoming increasingly untenable.

Three Key Messages from Zentiva

During the conference, Zentiva articulated three core messages emphasizing the need for a pause and reformation of the UWWTD:
1. Affordability and Supply Security: The current implementation of the UWWTD threatens the affordability of medications, the reliability of supply chains, and long-term sustainability. Unrealistic assumptions and overly optimistic cost estimations by the European Commission raise genuine concerns regarding the ongoing availability of essential generic medicines across Europe.

2. A Viable Alternative: Zentiva pointed to the Swiss model as an illustrative alternative, suggesting that through equitable cost-sharing, gradual implementation, and intersectoral collaboration, it is possible to achieve environmental objectives without compromising patient care.

3. Ensuring Economic Viability: It is vital to protect the economic viability of medicines manufactured in Europe. Should environmental policies impose excessive financial burdens on manufacturers, there is a significant risk of production relocation outside Europe, undermining supply security and challenging the EU's goals for strategic autonomy in healthcare.

Sustainability Beyond the Environment

Saltofte concluded by emphasizing that sustainability extends beyond environmental concerns. It encompasses the assurance of supply and equitable access to medicines for all individuals, irrespective of financial pressures. He urged for solutions that ensure ecological sustainability while also upholding access to affordable healthcare. “Health is a right, not a privilege,” Saltofte reiterated, invoking a collective responsibility to align health policies with public needs.

Zentiva's Legacy and Future Directions

Established over 500 years ago, Zentiva has always prioritized health and well-being. Today, the company is committed to delivering high-quality, accessible medications to over 100 million people across 30 countries in Europe and beyond. With four manufacturing sites and a broad network of external partners, Zentiva is dedicated to maintaining supply integrity while pursuing sustainable growth strategies in the private equity sector.

As they navigate the evolving healthcare landscape, the focus remains on fostering an inclusive workplace where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute. As Zentiva moves forward, its historical roots serve as a foundation for a sustainable future focused on wellness for generations to come.