Brussels, 07/10/2003 (Agence Europe) - The European Confederation of paediatric specialists warned last week that it was urgent to have legislation on paediatric medicines. José Ramet, its general secretary, said there is not enough research allowing for the discovery or quite simply the assessment of new products on the market in all categories of treatment for children (infants, children, adolescents). He said that about 4 products out of 10 on average used in cases of hospitalisation are not tested in advance. "When we use them we are therefore taking a risk", he said. The question of dosage for children remains an essential challenge for those delivering care. It is often determined according to a weight ratio compared to that for adults. Other factors also must be taken into account during growth. The European Commission is well aware of the problem, Per Haugaard, Spokesman for Enterprise Commissioner Errki Liikanen, said. He went on to add that "children are not just half-size adults. Measures must take into account the specific metabolism of children". However, since its communication in February 2002 (see EUROPE of 1 March 2002, p.15), the proposal of regulation seems to be moving very slowly at the European Commission. Professionals in the sector have understood that there will be no European legislation before 2005 at the very best. The European Commission hopes to adopt its proposal toward the end of the year or early 2004, Per Haugaard said.