Pharma companies ‘disappointed’ in Government’s stance during EU negotiations
The pharmaceutical industry has launched a large lobbying campaign targeting EU institutions and national governments, including Ireland, to weaken proposed EU reforms to drug regulations. These reforms aim to reduce the period of market exclusivity for new drugs before generic competitors can enter, potentially impacting pharmaceutical companies' profits. Pharma companies, including Pfizer, Novo Nordisk, and MSD, are urging the Irish government to oppose cuts to regulatory protection and strengthen intellectual property supports, arguing the reforms could significantly impact Ireland's pharmaceutical sector and reduce the development of new medicines. The lobbying effort includes direct communication with government officials and a parallel campaign in Brussels, with varying levels of support from different political groups in the European Parliament.
