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Zentiva and Euractiv's Health Policy Conference: Shaping Europe's Future in Medicine

On May 22, 2025, Zentiva took a proactive step in sponsoring Euractiv's Health Policy Conference, held in Brussels. This pivotal event witnessed the participation of Steffen Saltofte, Zentiva's CEO, alongside prominent EU policymakers. The focus of discussions centered on the panel titled "The EU Pharmaceutical Legislation – Ensuring Fair Access to Medicines for All."

As a representative for Europe's off-patent medicine sector, Saltofte emphasized the importance of creating a unified pharmaceutical policy that prioritizes patient needs. He underscored the need for collaboration among various stakeholders, including innovators, the off-patent industry, regulators, and policymakers, in order to realize the fundamental right to health for all.

"It's crucial that we pursue sustainable healthcare that both is resilient and earns the trust of the public," stated Saltofte. He noted that Zentiva’s manufacturing plants in Europe had maintained supply during the COVID pandemic and recent shortages, but stressed that ongoing resilience must be supported by a systematic framework that includes fair and straightforward rules, predictable pricing, and a cohesive policy direction that genuinely puts patients first.

Saltofte called for investments into the healthcare system to facilitate equal access to essential medicines. He argued for a collective effort to ensure the availability, affordability, and accessibility of medicines across Europe, stating, "If we want equal access to medicines, we must invest in the system."

Key Discussion Points Highlighted by Zentiva

1. Equal Access and Timely Competition: Zentiva advocates for pharmaceutical reforms that facilitate early patient access through fair competition. Saltofte warned that extending exclusivity periods risks delaying the introduction of generics and biosimilars, consequently affecting drug affordability and availability.

2. Resilience through Local Manufacturing: The company's facilities in Prague and Bucharest have consistently supplied essential medicines during crises. Saltofte stressed the necessity for predictable pricing, investment incentives, and efficient procurement protocols to secure local manufacturing not just for select substances, but for a comprehensive range of critical products, ensuring fair accessibility for all.

3. Alignment of Policies Across Sectors: A call for collaboration between industrial, pharmaceutical, and environmental policies was made. Without synchronized directives, such as the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, there is a risk of jeopardizing medicine supply and hindering advancements in sustainable technologies.

4. Framework for Sustainable Healthcare: Zentiva supports initiatives that push for the swift integration of digital solutions (e.g., digital leaflets), incentivize value-added medical products, and ensure that pricing models reflect real-world expenses while meeting sustainability objectives.

Guided by moderator Anna Gumbau from EURACTIV, the conference also included insights from distinguished figures such as Rainer Becker from the European Commission, as well as European Parliament members Stine Bosse and Ondřej Knotek.

Such collaborative platforms as Euractiv’s conference are essential in fostering dialogue, cooperation, and actionable progress. As Saltofte aptly remarked, the vision is to ensure that healthcare remains a right rather than a privilege.

About Zentiva

Zentiva’s commitment is to furnish health and well-being to generations. The company plays a crucial role in developing, manufacturing, and distributing high-quality, affordable medicines, reaching over 100 million people across more than 30 countries in Europe and beyond. With a robust manufacturing infrastructure and a commitment to sustainability, Zentiva actively promotes the security of supply for essential medications.

Zentiva’s legacy dates back 500 years, whereby it began with a small pharmacy in Prague which continues to operate today. Positioned for a sustainable future, Zentiva is determined to support health and well-being for generations to come. For more information, visit www.zentiva.com.