Press Release: Pharmaceutical Forum concluded successfully

The final report of the Pharmaceutical Forum was presented in Brussels on 2 October, 2008, setting out principles and recommendations on three key challenges in the pharmaceutical landscape. Firstly, how to improve information on diseases and treatments, secondly, how to compare medicines and identify the most effective ones and thirdly how to balance access and reward for innovation within limited healthcare budgets. The Pharmaceutical Forum was co-chaired by Günter Verheugen, Vice-President of the European Commission, and Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou. This meeting marked the end of a 3-year mandate. The Forum brought together Member States and stakeholders, including patient organisations, health professionals, industry and insurers. The final report comprised a set of principles and recommendations to increase cooperation in three key areas.