Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - January 2008 - (Page 20)

20 Q&A January 2008 Pharmaceutical Executive Europe Putting An End to Drug Counterfeiting Ton van Lierop, from the cabinet of European Commission vice president Günter Verheugen, talks to PEE about the EC’s ongoing fight against counterfeit medicines. Pharmaceutical Executive Europe: How does the Pharmaceutical Unit intend to contribute to the ongoing fight against drug counterfeiting in 2008 and beyond? Ton van Lierop: The EC’s Directorate General Enterprise and Industry launched a study in 2006 on distribution channels, consisting of two parts: activities to combat counterfeit medicines, and patient safety aspects related to parallel trade with medicines. Based on a consultation of member states and patient, healthcare professional and industry stakeholder organisations, the current situation is being analysed with a view to identify possible gaps. The areas reviewed relate to pharmaceutical legislation; supervision/ enforcement; national, European and international co-operation; and awareness-raising. Policy options are being developed to address any possible gaps. These might include amendments or changes to legislation where necessary. Policy options are also being assessed for any possible social, economic and environmental impact with the support of an external contractor. This procedure is in line with the European Commission Impact Assessment Guidelines. PEE: How, from your perspective, has the fight against counterfeiting changed over the last few years? TVL: Activities to combat counterfeiting are taking place at various levels both within the European Union and internationally. In recent years, the EC has adopted legislation on intellectual property rights and customs enforcement of such legislation. Recent customs statistics show an increase of 384% of seized medicinal products at European borders in 2006 compared to 2005. These figures and the enhanced exchange and co-operation between member states indicate the fight against counterfeit medicines may have become more effective over the past years. However, enhanced cooperation between the different disciplines such as pharmaceutical enforcement, police and customs at a national, European and international level is and remains of the utmost importance for an effective fight against counterfeit medicines. http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/resources/documents/customs/customs_controls/counterfeit_piracy/statistics/counterf_comm_2006_de.pdf http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/resources/documents/customs/customs_controls/counterfeit_piracy/statistics/counterf_comm_2006_de.pdf

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - January 2008

Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - January 2008
Contents
From the Editor
News and Analysis
Calendar
Corporate Strategy: Walking the Line
Executive Profile: The Pharmacist’s Friend
Q&A: An End to Drug Counterfeiting
Healthcare Cost Assessment: Ready to Make NICE?
Pricing and Reimbursement: Through the Reimbursement Barriers
Generics: India Inc.
The Mix: New Models of Excellence
Last Word: Mid-size Matters

Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - January 2008