Press release

EFPIA supports a new R&D model to tackle antimicrobial resistance

Brussels, 27 October 2011: EFPIA, the voice of the research-based pharmaceutical industry in Europe, welcomes todays vote of the European Parliament on the threat posed by antimicrobial resistance. Commenting on the vote today, Richard Bergstrm, Director General of EFPIA, said: According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), an estimated 25,000 Europeans die each year as a result of drug-resistant infection. Despite being recognised as a major unmet need, both public and private investments in R&D have declined. The Parliament resolution clearly sets out both causes and solutions, and most importantly, endorses the need to reverse this trend. EFPIA calls for a new model to encourage antimicrobials innovation that should include: The development of improved diagnostics as a means of promoting appropriate use, avoiding resistance and improving efficiency of clinical trials; Innovative approaches to the assessment of new treatments for serious infections; Increased and more targeted public sector investment. The scientific challenges are enormous. Bacteria are built to survive in difficult environments. Only by pooling research we will be able to beat the bugs. The need for antimicrobials and the spread of resistance make the issue a global one on which the EU should take a lead. EFPIA is eager to engage with the European Commission and other stakeholders to support the Commissions comprehensive action plan with proposals to better align business incentives with societys need for the development and conservation of new antibacterials. It is an historic shift and the opportunity should not be lost. It is essential to make sure that we get new antibacterials and that their use is managed to prevent superbugs building up resistance, Mr. Bergstrm concluded. In November, the European Commission will launch a new anti-microbial resistance strategy as a response to the Council Conclusions reached under the Swedish Presidency in July-December 2009. We hope the EC will develop a comprehensive action plan, with concrete proposals concerning incentives to develop new effective antibiotics, including ways to secure their rational use. ### Contact Richard Bergstrm, Tel: (+32) 2 626 25 55 E-mail: newsroom@efpia.org Useful links www.efpia.eu

About EFPIA EFPIA represents the pharmaceutical industry operating in Europe. Through its direct membership of 31 national associations and 38 leading pharmaceutical companies, EFPIA provides the voice of 2,000 companies committed to researching, developing and bringing new medicines to improve health and quality of life around the world. EFPIA member are committed to delivering innovative medicines to address unmet needs of patients and reducing the burden of chronic diseases for Europes ageing population. EFPIA believes in close cooperation with its stakeholders to help create sustainable healthcare systems and to develop prompt responses to health threats in Europe.
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European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations

The pharmaceutical sector directly employs some 640,000 people in Europe including 115,000 working in research and development. The industry also generates around three to four times more employment both upstream and downstream. Europes research-based pharmaceutical industry generates a substantial trade surplus, estimated at about 58,800 million in 2009, and has contributed significantly to reducing the European Unions trade deficit in hightech products. More than a quarter of the EUs high-tech exports are pharmaceutical products.

Fdration Europenne d Associations et d Industries Pharmaceutiques

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