Labrina Barmpetaki, President of PIF: “Harnessing medical data is essential for a fair and sustainable pharmaceutical policy.”
Through targeted interventions and a clear, strategic message, PhARMA Innovation Forum (PIF) actively participated in the 6th Health Conference organized by Proto Thema. Labrina Barmpetaki, joined the panel discussion entitled “Shaping a National Pharmaceutical Policy: Prerequisites and Challenges.” In her remarks, she set the tone for the discussion, emphasizing the crucial role of medical data, policy reforms, and strategic investments in the development of a fair and sustainable pharmaceutical system.
Ms.Barmpetaki, emphasized the strategic significance of utilizing medical data as a fundamental element for a fair and sustainable pharmaceutical policy: “The use of electronic prescription data and patient registries constitutes a prerequisite for the formulation of policies that effectively address the needs of patients. It is inconceivable that 81% of newly approved innovative medicines in the European Union remain unavailable in Greece. It is imperative to invest in the systematic collection and analysis of data to ensure the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system.”
Simultaneously, she underscored the critical importance of fostering clinical research: “Although the number of studies increased from 544 in 2021 to 585 in 2023, investments declined from €54.6 million to €47.5 million, highlighting the urgent need for a stable regulatory framework and robust infrastructure. Clinical research has historically constituted a fundamental pillar of activity for the member companies of Pharma Innovation Forum (PIF) and, notwithstanding the challenges encountered, it remains a strategic priority. The development of new innovative therapies is intrinsically linked to both healthcare progress and economic development.”
Particular emphasis was placed on the imperative to attract and retain the nation’s scientific talent: “The innovative pharmaceutical industry represents one of the most rapidly expanding sectors of the Greek economy, employing over 4,500 professionals and registering a 25% growth since 2019. Nevertheless, strategic investments are essential to avert the ongoing brain drain, especially in cutting-edge domains such as bioinformatics, clinical research, and Health Technology Assessment (HTA). Greece possesses the capacity to reverse this trend, contingent upon substantial investment in research infrastructure and the establishment of an environment conducive to the return of scientists and the effective harnessing of their expertise.”
In conclusion, the President of PIF emphasized: “Greece possesses the potential to emerge as a center of pharmaceutical innovation, provided that strategic investments and the reinforcement of research are prioritized. PhARMA Innovation Forum, representing 30 leading pharmaceutical companies, remains committed to advocating for the essential reforms required to establish a sustainable and innovative healthcare system that effectively addresses the needs of society, placing patients at its forefront.”
