EU Pharmaceutical Industry Laws to be Revised

France to Prepare “End of Life” Bill

President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will prepare an “end of life” bill by the end of summer 2021 on whether some form of assisted dying should be allowed. This decision was based on the recommendations of a group of 184 French citizens. Under the new bill, those suffering from long-term, intolerable illnesses will be given the option of ending their lives with medical assistance. This issue has been a topic of fierce debate in France for years, and this draft bill seeks to provide clarity and guidance for all parties involved.

Gates Warns Against Lack of Funding for TB Vaccines

Bill Gates has recently warned that there is a lack of funding for tuberculosis vaccines, which could delay late-stage trials of the first new vaccine against tuberculosis for over a century. In his opinion, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgency and importance of investing in not only various vaccines but also tuberculosis vaccines. Furthermore, he advocated for increased global cooperation and funding to ensure more effective vaccine distribution and administration.

Merck & Co vs. Bayer AG Dismissed by Delaware Judge

A lawsuit filed by Merck & Co against Bayer AG regarding talc-related liabilities stemming from its purchase of Merck’s consumer care business in 2014 was dismissed by a Delaware judge. The judge cited the terms outlined in the purchase agreement between the two companies as grounds for dismissal. The case hinged on whether Bayer was obligated to indemnify Merck for liabilities related to talc use in their consumer products.

India’s Eye Drops Cleared After Quality Concerns

Samples taken from eye drops made by India’s Global Pharma Healthcare were tested by India’s health ministry after being linked to three deaths and blindness in some patients in the U.S. The samples were found to be of standard quality, and the company did not violate any quality standards or regulations. The firm, however, was required to make changes and improvements in its production process to avoid future mishaps.

EU to Revise Pharmaceutical Laws

The EU has announced plans to revise outdated rules governing the pharmaceutical industry in a bid to ensure better access to medicines and revive investment. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the problems caused by declining manufacturing in Europe, complicated supply chains, and a lack of preparedness for a global public health emergency. The proposals aim to shorten the period of intellectual property protection companies receive to develop and sell drugs and treatments in Europe, improve access to medicines across the EU, and streamline operations of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

The Commission plans to publish a draft of the biggest overhaul of existing medical laws in two decades on April 26. Companies may be obliged to disclose R&D costs and public funding received for a new drug, and may also empower the agency to grant compulsory licenses in case there is a public health emergency. The EU wants to incentivize drugmakers to invest in developing new antibiotics. Industry representatives criticize the plan, saying it would damage work on orphan drugs and innovation. Lawyers representing the industry don’t expect legislation to be adopted before 2025.

Other Health News Briefs

The US FTC ordered Illumina, a biotechnology company specializing in genetic sequencing and array-based technologies, to divest cancer diagnostic test maker Grail due to concerns about competition. Illumina plans to appeal.

BioNTech has partnered with DualityBio to co-develop and commercialize two cancer antibody drug candidates, with DualityBio receiving upfront and milestone payments as well as royalties.

The WHO released a report calling for more consistent data collection on infertility which affects about 1 in 6 adults globally.

The US government announced a lower-than-expected 1.1% average cut to reimbursement rates for health insurers offering Medicare Advantage after pushback from the industry.

The US National Institute on Aging is funding a six-year, up to $300 million project to build an Alzheimer’s research database capable of tracking the health of a majority of Americans for decades.

In conclusion, the pharmaceutical industry is undergoing significant changes, ranging from access to medicine to intellectual property protection. The initiatives taken by various governments and international organizations reflect the importance of health and wellbeing globally. These efforts might bring new hopes and opportunities not only for people seeking access to affordable medical care but also for researchers looking for new drugs and treatments.

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