The EMA joins the “business” branch of the Commission. In a joint letter, the journal “Prescrire” and the British Medical Journal (BMJ) denounce a “incomprehensible” decision.
“Mr. Juncker, the drug is not a commodity …” It is with this indignant reminder that begins the letter written with two hands addressed to the President of the European Commission, by the journal Prescribe and the BMJ. An international alliance of the medical press to denounce “the immense disappointment” caused by the recent decision of the Commission.
” Fromshort-sighted industrial and economic interests ”
Jean-Claude Juncker has in fact given his approval to attach the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and health product policy to the “Business” branch of the Commission. The decision caused a tidal wave “among all those who give priority to public health in Europe”, write the authors, who are moved by an “incomprehensible step backwards”.
In fact, in 2009, the European Medicines Agency separated from the “business” sector of the Commission. She then left the “DG ENTR ”(Enterprise and Industry) to join“ DG SANCO ”(Health and Consumers). “Many voices were heard, including our own, to welcome this attachment, long demanded, better guarantee of a priority given to public health and patients, rather than short-sighted industrial and economic interests” , continue the authors of this missive.
“Do not sacrifice the general interest”
Fiona godlee, editor-in-chief of the BMJ and Bruno Toussaint, director of the independent review Prescrire, say they observe the activity of the EMA since its creation in 1995. “Industrial interests are permanently strongly defended there,” they say. Too many drugs put on the European market do not represent tangible progress for patients, or even are real regressions. “
The authors beg Jean-Claude Juncker not to “sacrifice the general interest” and stress, lucidly: “We have the impression that your decision was taken under the influence of commercial interests. But it is still possible for you to take a better one, better oriented towards the future, in the interest of European patients and public health. »To the best of my mind …
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