European drugmakers say they are ‘losing ground’ to US and Chinese rivals
The chairs of nine major pharmaceutical companies warn that Europe is losing ground to rivals in the US and China. In an open letter, leaders from firms including AstraZeneca, Novartis, and Roche state that the region is losing the investment race. They are calling for increased spending and faster clinical trials to strengthen innovation. The executives warn European leaders that future investment is at risk unless the bloc takes urgent action to reverse a perceived slow agony of decline.
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- ✓ Nine pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi Group, Ipsen, GSK, Novo, Novartis, Roche, and Sanofi, issued a joint open letter.
- ✓ European drugmakers state they are losing ground to competitors in the US and China.
- ✓ Industry leaders are calling for increased spending and faster clinical trials to compete.
- ✓ Pharma executives warned European leaders that future investment is at risk.
What changed
Chairs from nine specific pharmaceutical companies issued a joint open letter demanding more innovation spending and faster trials.
Live updates
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Nine European Pharma Chairs Warn of Investment Decline
The chairs of nine major pharmaceutical companies warn that Europe is losing ground to rivals in the US and China. In an open letter, leaders from firms including AstraZeneca, Novartis, and Roche state that the region is losing the investment race. They are calling for increased spending and faster clinical trials to strengthen innovation. The executives warn European leaders that future investment is at risk unless the bloc takes urgent action to reverse a perceived slow agony of decline.
Why it matters
Pharmaceutical innovation requires massive capital and rapid regulatory approval to remain competitive. A shift in investment toward the US and China could reduce Europe's capacity to develop new medicines. This move signals a coordinated effort by industry leaders to pressure policymakers for structural reforms.
What is confirmed
- Nine pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi Group, Ipsen, GSK, Novo, Novartis, Roche, and Sanofi, issued a joint open letter.
- European drugmakers state they are losing ground to competitors in the US and China.
- Industry leaders are calling for increased spending and faster clinical trials to compete.
- Pharma executives warned European leaders that future investment is at risk.
Still unconfirmed
- Europe does not value what pharmaceutical companies do.
- European pharma is experiencing a slow agony of decline.
What to watch next
- Official responses from European Union leadership regarding investment incentives.
- Changes to European clinical trial regulations to accelerate timelines.
- New spending commitments from EU member states for pharmaceutical innovation.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- The Guardian — European drugmakers say they are ‘losing ground’ to US and Chinese rivals
- Reuters — European drugmakers call for faster trials, more spending to compete with US, China
- Fierce Pharma — 'Europe does not value what you do': 9 pharmas make urgent call for bloc to beef up innovation muscle
- Bloomberg.com — Pharma Bosses Warn European Leaders Future Investment at Risk
- FirstWord — European pharma's 'slow agony' of decline draws warning from nine industry chairs
- AstraZeneca — Europe Is Losing the Pharma Investment Race — But the Comeback Is Within Reach: An open letter from the Chairs of AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi Group, Ipsen, GSK, Novo, Novartis, Roche, and Sanofi
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