View from Brussels

Peter O'Donnell is a freelance journalist who specializes in European health affairs and is based in Brussels, Belgium.

Articles

While the UK's departure from the EU is imminent, NICE will continue to influence thinking around the continent. 

The Ever-Changing Face of NICE Guidance on Drug Innovation

Dilemmas are multiple and stakes are high as the framework for thinking about medicines development frequently fluctuates because of the COVID-19 pandemic, making it harder to foresee all implications for the future.

COVID-related Changes have Implications Not Just for Innovation but Also for Public Acceptance of Innovation

As the EU moves towards the next stage in its review of intellectual property incentives for pharmaceuticals, some unusually direct exchanges occurred between those who advocate patents—and those who oppose them.

Patents as a Barrier or an Enabler to Innovative Medicines: Europe's Debate Sharpens Up

Declarations made by Beate Wieseler don't align with those of many regulators and HTA bodies in Europe and will prove tough to transform.  

Gold Standards Remaining Gold Standards for Germany's HTA

Europe's research ministers are will meet to attempt to reach agreement on European Union research plans for the next seven years, including a cluster devoted to a broad range of health goals that range from general objectives to subjects of more specific interest to the community.

Europe Edges Towards a Health Research Plan

Though members of the industry have made reassuring comments about progress with candidate COVID vaccines, they acknowledge it could be next year, at best, before any real response would be available. 

Europe's COVID Vaccine Bids Still Veiled in Secrecy

EMA has launched a "communication perception survey" looking for honest views from among the widest audience on how well it is doing. 

EMA Looks to Its Image

Teenagers with cancer could benefit from a proposed initiative to lower the age barrier for participation in trials for new oncology drugs.

EU Specialists: Ease the Age Barrier for Cancer Clinical Trials

Social media uses transparency to highlight alleged gaps in clinical trial transparency and offers a more powerful approach to health campaigners.



Trial Non-Reporting a European as Well as U.S. Problem

Peter O’Donnell explores where the EU stands today in R&D pursuits for new antibacterial therapies.    