European lawmakers announced Tuesday they have struck a preliminary agreement designed to bolster the continent’s pharmaceutical supply chain by ramping up domestic drug manufacturing and decreasing reliance on foreign suppliers.
The proposed legislation focuses on vital medications including antibiotics, insulin and vaccines, with goals of expanding manufacturing capabilities across European Union member nations.
The agreement comes as the European Union faces mounting pressure to secure reliable access to essential medications, particularly as American pricing strategies continue to create turbulence in the global pharmaceutical industry.
Before these new regulations can take effect, both the European Parliament and European Council must give their final approval to the proposed measures.
Last month, European Medicines Agency Director Emer Cooke called on regional officials throughout the EU to strengthen their collaborative efforts in securing drug access for patients across the bloc.
