The advancement of biopharmaceutical innovation in Greece is crucial in shaping the future of health, significantly impacting patients’ lives, the economy, and the society.
New technologies are transforming the way care is delivered, with the patient always at the center. The integration of tools such as telemedicine, electronic health records, health apps, and artificial intelligence enhances discovery, timely diagnosis, and personalized treatment.
At Servier, we do have all the necessary resources to meaningfully contribute to the advancement of biopharmaceutical innovation: a long-term vision supported by our unique governance model (as an international pharmaceutical group owned by an independent Foundation), significant R&D investments, and presence in international innovation ecosystems. Our governance plays a decisive role, allowing us to reinvest our profits into Research & Development, ensuring our steadfast commitment to long-term patient care.
Our investments in Precision Medicine addressing rare cancers with high medical needs such as glioma, certain gastrointestinal cancers, and hematological malignancies, for example, offer more effective treatments with fewer side effects. For patients, this means improved health outcomes, enhanced quality of life, and a greater chance of recovery. For the healthcare system, innovative therapies can lead to reduced hospitalization rates and lower long-term costs, ultimately benefiting our society as a whole. We also place particular emphasis on improving patient’s therapeutic adherence, an issue recognized internationally by organizations such as the WHO and OECD, as it directly relates to public health, patients’ quality of life, and the efficiency of healthcare systems. Non-adherence to medication can lead to worsening conditions, increased hospitalization, and significant financial burdens for both patients and national health systems. It is worth mentioning that supporting patients in improving adherence to their treatment is estimated to save up to 200,000 lives annually in Europe and generate cost savings of €125 billion. Here, our innovation in providing fixed-dose combinations combining multiple therapies into a single pill, simplifies patients’ daily routines and supports better treatment adherence and outcomes.
At the same time, it is important to highlight that the pharmaceutical industry is facing significant challenges in Greece. The extremely high level of rebates and clawback (recently reaching up to 79% for hospital medicines) acts as a barrier to innovation. It reduces predictability and makes long-term planning more difficult, particularly for advanced therapies and clinical research. Limited incentives for Research & Development and lengthy access procedures create strong disincentives for companies to invest.
A more balanced framework could unlock significantly greater investment in innovative therapies, digital solutions, and clinical trials, strengthening both patient access and the national economy.
Servier actively supports the positions and initiatives of the PhARMA Innovation Forum (PIF), which promotes institutional dialogue to ensure patient access to innovative therapies and to foster a sustainable and modern environment for pharmaceutical innovation in the country. Τhe “Voices of Innovation” initiative highlights the contribution of innovation to improving public health, strengthening collaboration among the state, the scientific community, the industry, and patient associations.
Greece has the potential to evolve into a biopharmaceutical innovation hub in Southern Europe through coordinated actions that enhance access to modern, innovative therapies, attract high value-added investments, and contribute to the sustainability of the healthcare system. Let’s make it together a reality!
Estève Speranza, Managing Director Servier Hellas & Cyprus
