english.prescrire.org > Topics > Advancing healthcare policy > Response to the EU Commission consultation on the Paediatric Regulation (2/2017)
Advancing healthcare policy

Via its policy advocacy, Prescrire acts as a force for change in health policies, first and foremost in the interest of patients.
 

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Prescrire's response to the EU Commission consultation on the Paediatric Regulation (February 2017)

Experience with the R&D of new paediatric medicines raises doubts over whether real therapeutic needs are a fundamental objective for pharmaceutical companies. It is also crucial to adapt the pharmaceutical form and the packaging of paediatric drugs to make them suitable for paediatric use. Read on...
 

Paris, 20 February 2017

The experience with the R&D of new paediatric medicines raises doubts over whether real therapeutic needs are a fundamental objective for pharmaceutical companies. It is also crucial to adapt the pharmaceutical form and the packaging of paediatric drugs to make them suitable for paediatric use.

> Click here to download Prescrire's response (pdf, 95 Ko)

Summary of Prescrire's response

  • Notwithstanding an increase in the number of paediatric drug developments due to the provision of considerable financial incentives and rewards, such a rise is not a guarantee for obtaining medicines that truly meet patient needs. The experience with R&D of new paediatric medicines raises doubts over whether real therapeutic needs are a fundamental objective for pharmaceutical companies. In addition, it is also crucial to adapt the pharmaceutical form and the packaging of paediatric drugs to make them suitable for paediatric use.
     
  • Prescrire invites the European and national public authorities to invest more in independent public or academically-driven clinical research focused on real health needs, including paediatric medicines. Independent, publicly-funded trials aim to guide healthcare professionals in making the best therapeutic choices.
     
  • The 10-year experience gained with the Paediatric Regulation has shown the limitations and/or abuses of a reward/incentive system aimed at stimulating private for-profit R&D in areas of major medical need. It clearly illustrates that the pharmaceutical industry "plays the system" strategically to obtain the highest possible financial and economic results. 


©Prescrire February 2017

> Click here to download Prescrire's response (pdf, 95 Ko)