The two countries want the European Commission’s proposals to be more closely examined for their possible negative effect on pharmaceutical investment decisions. The industry federation EFPIA says it is surprised more EU member states aren’t taking the same stance.

EU ministers say that implementing an appropriate fee structure that is more in line with actual costs will promote innovation in the pharmaceutical sector while ensuring “fair access” to safe and effective medicines for patients.

The World Health Organization has published a “step-by-step guide” for countries wishing to increase their capacity for monitoring pathogens with pandemic and epidemic potential. The EU and the UK have cleared an updated version of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine Spikevax targeting the XBB.1.5 variant, while the EU has followed the US in approving Gilead’s Veklury as the first treatment for COVID-19 patients with mild-to-severe liver damage.

The head of the European Medicines Agency says a group of international regulators got together to ensure “global alignment” on the approach to be taken on COVID-19 vaccination. 

Proposals on regulatory data protection and transferable exclusivity vouchers to encourage antimicrobial R&D have received mixed reactions from the parliament’s rapporteurs for the draft legislation.

A new database being set up in Switzerland is expected to improve the exchange of GMP and GDP information between the regulatory authorities and pharmaceutical companies and offer free access to electronic certificates.