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European Federation of Pharmaceutical industries and associations
   

EFPIA Newsletter 16 April 2026

 
 
 
   

Why Europe should strive to increase its clinical trials

 
By Carlos Gallardo, Chairman and CEO, Almirall; Second Vice President, EFPIA

The pharmaceutical sector is the engine room that drives clinical trial activity and the benefits that go way beyond patient care. Clinical research delivers significant economic growth, and the European Union has the potential to deliver so much more.

That’s why it’s good news that the European Medicines Agency (EMA), alongside the European Commission and Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA), have set a new target for increasing clinical trials in the EU. The 11.1 percent target should bring an additional 500 multinational trials over five years.

A new report by Frontier Economics, published in February by EFPIA, analyzed this target. It will produce an extra 35,000 clinical trial places for people in Europe, who will be able to access treatments that may otherwise have been unavailable.

Read more


 
 
 
   

How to fix the conundrum of Europe’s East–West healthcare divide

Patients in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) have, for many years, faced an uneven playing field in access to medicines.

While some countries in this region have made progress in improving the investment in health and modernising their healthcare systems, differences in access to innovative treatments and consequently in health outcomes and life expectancy continues to persist and requires sustained attention. Closing this gap is not only a healthcare priority, but an economic and social necessity.

In a study commissioned by EFPIA, academic experts from the CEE region highlight this dual reality of progress alongside remaining gaps for healthcare systems. 

Read the full report here

 
 
 
 
   

POLITICO’s European Pulse Forum 2026 | Executive Interview with Fina Lladós

On 10 April, EFPIA participated in POLITICO’s European Pulse Forum 2026, contributing to discussions on the key issues shaping Europe’s future, including investment and innovation.

In an executive interview, Fina Lladós, President of Farmaindustria and General Manager of Amgen Iberia, focused on Europe’s pharma competitiveness.

➡️ Watch the full interview here.

 
 
 
 
   

Events

 

European Pharmaceutical Law Forum
19 May 2026 (Brussels, Belgium)

The European pharmaceutical market is facing a moment of profound change. With sweeping updates to the EU pharmaceutical... Read more

European Conference on Rare Diseases and Orphan Products (ECRD) 2026
03 June 2026 (Prague & Online)

The next ECRD will be held on 3 & 4 June 2026 in Prague and will be titled “Rare Diseases in a Changing & Competitive... Read more

 
 
 
   

What we are reading

 
The European Health Data Space (EHDS): Breakthrough moment in sharing health data
On 13 April 2026 (DIA Global Forum)

The EHDS is a new piece of European law, forming part of a growing regulatory and policy ecosystem for digital and... Read more

Medicines: let’s not wait for the presidential election!
On 09 April 2026 (POLITICO)

Investing in medicines means investing in health, innovation, and the economy—it is a strategic choice to ensure... Read more

Greece steps up clinical trial reforms as industry calls for stronger incentives
On 09 April 2026 (Euractiv)

Despite measurable gains, the Greek pharma industry warns the country's clinical trial ecosystem still needs stronger... Read more

The next pandemic: prepare now or pay later
On 09 April 2026 (Vaccines Today)

Experts say the world must be ready to develop and authorise safe, effective and accessible vaccines within 100 days.... Read more