Reuters reported on 24 April that major European pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca, Novartis and Sanofi are intensifying calls for the European Union (EU) to permit higher medicine prices.
The companies propose a “Europe-wide list price for new medicines set within range of US net prices, with adjustments made through rebates.
“They argue that current policies stifle innovation and drive investment towards the United States (US) and China and warn that Europe is falling behind in research, development (R&D), and manufacturing capabilities.
“Strict European price controls undermine innovation and make the region less appealing for pharmaceutical investment, contrasting this with incentive programmes in the US and China”.
Meanwhile, several drug manufacturers including Roche, Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, and Novartis, have announced substantial multi-billion-dollar investment plans in the US.