Irish Cancer Society Announce Launch Of Long-awaited European Fair Pricing Network
The Irish Cancer Society will join with European counterparts in a collaboration which aims to put an end to the high cost of cancer drugs. For the very first time, cancer organisations throughout Europe are coming together to work towards a fair price for cancer medicines which will ultimately mean better access for cancer patients in Ireland.
Due to the aging population and rising number of cancer cases in Ireland, expenditure on cancer medicines is increasing. Lack of adequate access to both new and off-patent essential cancer medicines remains an issue across Europe - with high prices often cited as large contributory factor. In response, European cancer societies and research institutes decided to come together and found the European Fair Pricing Network.
The EFPN, through research and advocacy, will work to ensure fairer prices for medicines, and will seek to develop new ways of supporting innovation and ensuring a timely and sustainable supply of cancer drugs.
The Irish Cancer Society wants all people going through cancer treatment to have access to the best possible treatment, as it comes on stream. High prices and long, drawn out negotiations with Government can slow down this access. Research is needed to better understand why prices are so high and to find solutions to challenge high prices. For this reason, the Irish Cancer Society has come together with other cancer societies and research institutes across Europe to found the European Fair Pricing Network.
