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Pfizer warns state new EU pharma plans will damage Ireland’s competitiveness

Pharma giant wants Irish government to oppose new plans that aim to make access to medicines more secure and affordable

Pfizer and other pharma companies are opposing EU plans to slash the amount of time between the launch of a new drug and rival firms being able to develop competing products. Picture: Photocall Ireland

Pfizer has told the Irish government that major new EU pharmaceutical proposals will damage Ireland’s competitiveness among companies in the sector and “weaken” innovation in the industry.

The company met Dara Calleary, Minister for State at the Department of Enterprise, in June, and discussed with him new European Commission plans to slash the amount of time between the launch of a new drug and rival firms being able to develop competing products.

The proposals, which ...