Research-based pharmaceutical industry in Europe to celebrate 30. anniversary at Annual Meetings

Arthur Higgins, President of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) and CEO Bayer Healthcare AG, was confirmed in his office at the Annual Meetings in Paris. He will preside over the Federation for a further two years. At EFPIA’s 30. anniversary celebration, Higgins recognized the results of the Federation’s efforts and highlighted the importance of cooperations to enhance the health and wealth of EU citizens.

The organization was founded exactly 30 years before to advance pharmaceutical research in Europe, bring effective medicines to market and create a favorable environment for the pharmaceutical industry. The Annual Meetings brought together 400 executives of the pharmaceutical industry, high-level representatives of public authorities, health experts, member patient associations and the international press.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the federation, the EFPIA President highlighted the industry’s past successes. In addition, Higgins said he was optimistic about the future development of the pharmaceutical industry in Europe and pointed out the successful cooperation with partners: “We at EFPIA know that if we are to contribute to the health and wealth of EU citizens, we can only do so in partnership with researchers, academics, regulatory authorities and other key stakeholders.” Higgins referred to the “three Ps” (Patience, Priorities and Promise) as essential elements for the future progress of the pharmaceutical industry: Patience, as change takes time given that healthcare systems are facing complex challenges; Priorities since they assure that concrete objectives and deliverables are being targeted, and Promise as the pharmaceutical industry must never forget to continue to contribute to the health and wealth of EU citizens.

Future potential of the industry

The EFPIA President acknowledged the results of the Federation and gave an outlook on the future of the pharmaceutical industry: “Tonight we can be very proud of what we achieved during the past 30 years”, Higgins said. “And we can also feel proud and confident in what we are about to achieve in the coming decades. Whatever we do, it is important that we never lose sight of the great potential of our sector to help create, together with our stakeholders, 21st century healthcare. This is a promise which we must deliver on in the future no matter what challenges we face.”