Brussels, 07/02/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 6 February, with the adoption of a report by Antonyia Parvanova (ALDE, Bulgaria) on the proposal for a directive on meeting new deadlines and transparency requirements on pricing and reimbursement, MEPs said patients should have quicker access to cheaper “generic” medicines. The report was adopted by 559 votes to 54, with 72 abstentions.
“It is unacceptable that delays in the pricing and reimbursement of medicines can sometimes reach more than 700 days. I am convinced that fair practices in our pharmaceutical market would also benefit patients and national healthcare systems”, Parvanova said. Parliament also proposed a 60-day limit for deciding on the pricing and reimbursement of generic medicines, in order to speed up their availability and save money for patients and social security systems. Decisions concerning new medicines will have to respect the current deadline of 180 days, MEPs say.
Relevant authorities in member states should disclose their experts' and members' names and declarations of interest in order to ensure the transparency and the integrity of their decision-making process, Parliament affirms. They should also be required to publish the list of the medicinal products covered by their public health insurance system and their prices, at least once a year.
According to the European Commission, generic products are on average 40% cheaper than the original branded medicines, once they have been available for two years. An inquiry showed that companies use various means to extend the period when they can market their medicines exclusively, without competition from generics.
In its proposal adopted on 1 March last year, the Commission recommends that national decisions relating to pricing and reimbursement of medicines should be taken within 120 days for innovative medicines and within just 30 days, instead of the current 180, for generic medicines (see EUROPE 10565). The Commission also proposes applying strict measures when decisions are not taken within the time set, which is often the case with member states. (OL/transl.jl)