How does the pharmaceutical industry influence the European Medicines Agency? Can the organization independently carry out its work? Experts will discuss this in the European Parliament at an event on January 9th organized by Wemos and the European Parliament group of SP (GUE/NGL).
With this event, Wemos wants to call on the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Commission to investigate the added therapeutic value of new medicines before issuing marketing authorization, based on independent clinical research. Among the speakers at the event will be Member of European Parliament (MEP) Bart Staes, Dick Bijl (former general practitioner and former editor-in-chief of the Geneesmiddelenbulletin), Yannis Natsis (European Public Health Alliance), and Silvio Garattini (Mario Negri Institute). MEP Dennis de Jong will host the panel discussions.
No conflicts of interests
On behalf of Wemos and as President of the International Society of Drug Bulletins, Dick Bijl will elaborate on the shortcomings of clinical research and make recommendations for improvement. He will also elaborate on how clinical research can be made more independent. Yannis Natsis will comment on his concerns about fast-track approval of drugs on the market, and Silvio Garattini will provide concrete EMA policy recommendations for preventing conflicts of interests.
The European Ombudsman is currently investigating conflicts of interests at EMA. Wemos applauds that EMA will share its view on this as well, and hopes that with the agency’s move to Amsterdam, doors will open for improvement within the organization and its policy.
Currently, Wemos global health advocates Corinne Hinlopen and Ella Weggen are also working on a publication with Dick Bijl about the need for added therapeutic value of new medicines, based on independent clinical research.
