Press Release: Bioterrorism: Commission and pharmaceutical companies discuss production and distribution strategies to counter possible biological threats

Plans for an EU-wide strategy to ensure production, supply and availability of medicinal products for preventing or treating the effects of a biological attack were debated at a European Commission/pharmaceutical industry meeting in Strasbourg during the week commencing 11 November 2001. Discussion focused on identifying possible threats, and how to ensure treatments or preventive methods are available to European citizens in emergencies. The possibility of encouraging the development of new treatments through a combination of market exclusivity incentives and fast-track authorisations was also discussed. The initiative is part of the EU-wide efforts to put in place a consistent and effective strategy to deal with bio-terrorist threats