Brussels, 12 February 2025 – The Critical Medicines Alliance convened its second Forum, bringing together key stakeholders in a hybrid event attended by over 300 participants both in person and online. The event served as a pivotal platform for advancing discussions on the resilience of Europe’s critical medicines supply chain and strengthening international partnerships.
A key highlight of the Forum was the presentation of the Critical Medicines Alliance draft Strategic Report, a comprehensive overview outlining strategic recommendations aimed at bolstering the production of critical medicines within the European Union and forging strategic partnerships beyond its borders. The report, a product of extensive collaboration among the Alliance’s thematic Working Groups, is set to inform the forthcoming Critical Medicines Act, reinforcing Europe's commitment to ensuring the availability of critical medicines.
The Forum was inaugurated with opening remarks by Laurent Muschel, Acting Director-General of HERA and Chair of the Steering Board, alongside the Director of the Department of Drug Policy and Pharmacy at the Ministry of Health of Poland, and the Director General of Medicines for Europe, both serving as Vice-Chairs of the Critical Medicines Alliance Steering Board.
Two expert panels were convened to present and discuss the draft recommendations outlined in the Strategic Report:
- Panel 1: Strengthening EU Manufacturing Capacity
Led by the Deputy Minister of Health of the Czech Republic and the Director of Projects at France’s Ministry of Industry, this panel explored critical themes such as vulnerability assessments, incentives for manufacturing, procurement, stockpiling, and creating a level playing field for EU-based manufacturers. Additional insights were provided by representatives from Medicines for Europe, the European Fine Chemicals Group, and the Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union.
- Panel 2: International Partnerships and Solidarity
Discussions focused on enhancing global cooperation to reinforce medicine supply chains. Contributions were made by the Secretary-General for Strategic Planning at Greece’s Ministry of Health, the Coordinator for International Strategy on Shortages and Security of Supply at Belgium’s Federal Agency for Medicines, Pfizer’s Director of Global Trade Policy, the Director General of the Association of the European Self-Care Industry, and the Head of Policy at the European Patients’ Forum. The panel explored strategies for diversifying international partnerships, strengthening supply chain resilience, and reinforcing international solidarity.
The Forum concluded with reflections on the preparation of the Critical Medicines Act by the Director for Medical Products and Innovation at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (SANTE). HERA then outlined the next steps in the consultation process.
The Strategic Report was made available to Forum members on 30 January 2025 via the HERA Stakeholders Hub. Members of the Alliance are invited to submit comments on the recommendations until 20 February 2025, with the formal adoption of the report planned for 25 February 2025.
The report represents a significant milestone in the European Union’s commitment to reinforcing the security of critical medicine supply chains. Developed through collaborative efforts within the Alliance’s Working Groups, it provides recommendations to strengthen European manufacturing and secure global partnerships.
The second Forum of the Critical Medicines Alliance underscored the collective resolve of European institutions, industry leaders, and healthcare stakeholders to safeguard public health across the EU, contributing to the ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable and reliable access to critical medicines for all European citizens.
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Details
- Publication date
- 14 February 2025
- Author
- Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority