Irish pharma sector quizzes European election candidates on innovation, sustainability, and regulation

Irish candidates for the upcoming European parliament elections are attending a series of healthcare manifesto events hosted by the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association, where industry experts, the press and the public have an opportunity to quiz candidates’ support for innovation, sustainability and their regulatory approach.

In the Ireland South constituency, held at Sanofi’s premises in Waterford, a panel discussion was heard from national and local industry representatives including Oliver O’Connor, IPHA, Ciaran Campbell and Martin O’Leary Sanofi and Gerard O’Leary, Managing Director at Weltec Engineering, Waterford – each spoke of the important role the pharmaceutical industry plays directly and indirectly in the local economy.

The IPHA has said Ireland’s pharmaceutical innovators are prepared to work closely with European health leaders to enable faster and fairer access to life-enhancing medicines for patients in Ireland and throughout the EU. Their European election manifesto sets out four key asks of candidates: better health for all Europeans; creating jobs that matter; supporting innovation; and encouraging sustainability.

Responding to the panel, John Mullins, Fine Gael, remarked: “There is no reason why Europe can’t move as quickly as we did during Covid to ensure that patients get timely access to medicines.”

Fianna Fáil candidate Cynthia Ni Mhurchu said: “I will ensure that companies invest in the region – particularly the South East – as there is a readymade skilled workforce in the region. I will take the time to explore these issues further with the industry players and stakeholders and will be doing everything I can to support and develop the pharmaceutical industry – so that there is sustainable employment for graduates – and all – in Ireland South.”

Incumbent MEP, Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fail, spoke about the importance of encouraging clinical trials in Europe and the need for Europe to remain competitive, while Sinn Féin’s Kathleen Funchion said: “It is crucial to ensure that political parties work together with stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry and I will commit to this.”

Dublin constituency

At the Dublin constituency event hosted at Pfizer’s Grangecastle location, the IPHA’s Oliver O’Connor was joined by Deb Mangone, Country Manager Pfizer Healthcare Ireland, Tracey Walsh Operations Lead Pfizer and Councillor Vicky Casserly, Area Chairperson of Lucan, Palmerstown and North Clondalkin.

They heard from sitting MEP, Barry Andrews, Fianna Fáil. Andrews spoke of the importance of clinical trials taking place in Europe, noting how Dublin has developed socially and economically in the past 30 years predominantly due to inward investment in the country by sectors such as biopharma.

Another current MEP, Ciaran Cuffe, Greens, a member of the European Parliament’s ITRE committee, spoke of the challenges being faced by the industry in terms of environmental issues, but recognised efforts are being made to meet the urgent need. Cuffe also referred to the sustainability of medicines use and how this can impact the wider environment.

Sinead Gibney, the Social Democrats candidate told the audience that she values the contribution of the industry to the constituency but also recognises the value of medicines on the wider healthcare system and how she therefore supports innovation.

Vicky Casserly, speaking during the panel discussion – and deputising for the South Dublin County Mayor, Alan Edge – outlined the positive benefits of the industry in the area, but highlighted the impact medicines have on patients, including her son who has a disability. She said because of his disability she is acutely aware of the importance of medicines development and innovation, to ensure people live fuller, healthier lives.

The four key asks

In presenting their manifesto to candidates, the IPHA is calling for policies that prioritise access to new medicines including vaccines so that patient outcomes can be improved. Their recommendations include greater enhancement of the European Medicines Agency; ensuring a predictable and streamlined EU framework for joint clinical assessment processes; and supporting an EU Immunisation Strategy that strengthens protection against vaccine-preventable diseases across all generations.

They argue that innovation is a key factor in attracting new investments – and should be further supported by the strengthening of EU intellectual property rights for medicines innovation.

While the IPHA acknowledges that climate change is a critical challenge, it is calling for continued financial and advisory support to further encourage sustainability initiatives across Ireland and Europe; as well as ensuring that Environmental Risk Assessments are implemented at the production level, rather than marketing authorisation per product, to avoid creating barriers to access for new treatments for patients.

[By Brian Maguire | Euractiv’s Advocacy Lab ]

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