Major steps in biopharmaceutical research and advances in prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment have been made in recent decades, thanks to investment from the public and private sectors. Despite this progress, there are concerns from countries in the WHO European Region about the high prices of new medicines, which have restricted patient access, increased inequities and, in some cases, resulted in financial hardship. The demand for these specialized medicines is expected to grow, as is the pressure on health systems that are already struggling because of the current economic strains and socioeconomic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

To achieve universal health coverage, urgent collective action is required to ensure equitable access for all patients in need, and to safeguard the sustainability of health care systems and the innovation process.