Jean-Francois Dehecq, sanofi-aventis, France, noted that innovation is founded in strong science and research, is critical for success and competitiveness, and contributes to the health of patients and wealth of society.
Jean-Francoise Dehecq, sanofi-aventis
Jean-Francois Dehecq, sanofi-aventis, France, noted that innovation is founded in strong science and research, is critical for success and competitiveness, and contributes to the health of patients and wealth of society.
Dehecq pointed out that everyone agrees changes need to be made; for Europe has become dependent on the United States for the development of new products--which is quite different from the state of European pharmaceuticals in the early 1990s when Europe led the United States and Japan in R&D expenditure. In order to become a leader again, Dehecq stressed that Europe needs to defend the industry or it will lose it.
So, what is the problem? According to Dehecq, there are two problems: Europe is not working as a single market and it perceives innovation as a cost and not an achievement worthy of reward. To change the current state of pharmaceutical R&D in Europe and secure the future of its pharmaceutical innovation, Dehecq outlined a number of necessary changes, including the need to focus on value and not cost, the need to set up sustainable funding mechanisms (e.g., increased patient participation in health care costs), and the need to support science and strengthen the science base (e.g., funding and improved relationships with academia, regulators, and patients).
Dehecq wrapped up his presentation by concluding that governments have a role to play, one that includes rewarding innovation and regulating less, which he noted is the biggest threat to Europe's future. He also stressed the need for the different cultures in Europe, where "we are fighting for the future of this industry."
AI in Clinical Trials: A Long, But Promising Road Ahead
May 29th 2024Stephen Pyke, chief clinical data and digital officer, Parexel, discusses how AI can be used in clinical trials to streamline operational processes, the importance of collaboration and data sharing in advancing the use of technology, and more.
Including Women of Childbearing Age in Clinical Research
March 26th 2024In recognition of International Women's Month, we're featuring this recent talk between Associate Editor Miranda Schmalfuhs and Marie Teil, Global Head of UCB’s Women of Childbearing Age Program. They speak about the specific challenges women with chronic illnesses face when accessing appropriate treatment and participating in clinical trials, UCB's Women of Childbearing Age Program and it’s most successful strategies, and much more.