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Viatris press release Sept 2025

 
  • Amidst the backdrop of widespread medicine supply challenges across Europe, a new independent study investigates the reasons behind the shortages of essential off-patent medicines, with a particular focus on antibiotics.
  • The study, conducted in 16 countries (Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom) confirms that shortages of key antibiotics, like amoxicillin and azithromycin, result from a confluence of factors including rising production costs and persistent price decreases.
  • The study shows that between 2020 and 2024, the average price of the top 10 off-patent antibiotics dropped by 10%, despite sharp increases in production costs and inflation.
  • These dynamics are driven by national pricing systems that do not give the possibility to manufacturers to increase prices even when facing steep cost increases, further limiting patient access to essential medicines in Europe. Therefore, the study calls for reforms to national pricing and procurement systems to secure patient access to medicines.

 

Europe has long benefited from a competitive off-patent medicines market, delivering safe, effective, and affordable treatments to millions of patients.
To protect this access model, pricing and procurement systems must evolve to address current access challenges and reward off-patent medicines for their therapeutical value.

New pricing and procurement systems should enable economic viability of medicines, protecting availability and patient access.

Ensuring access to medicines is a shared responsibility. Collaboration between policymakers, patient associations, healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical actors can lay the foundation for a stronger European Health Union. One that serves the needs of every citizen.

About the study

The study covers 16 European countries and draws on scientific and grey literature, MIDAS/IQVIA data, and both quantitative and qualitative analyses of off-patent antibiotics. Off-patent antibiotics were selected as case-analysis due to its public health relevance as a first line of treatment, the widespread access and availability challenges within this therapeutic class. To support consistent analysis, defined baskets of off-patent antibiotics were examined in detail.

About New Angle - newangle.pt

Founded by specialists across health, finance, automotive, public sector and industry, New Angle brings many years of consulting expertise to highly complex and demanding environments, operating out of Portugal and Angola. Our interdisciplinary team combines deep domain knowledge with strategic insight to deliver creative, integrated, and high-impact solutions. New Angle’s Health Unit is a center of excellence in strategy, market access, and research. We support health stakeholders across Portugal, Angola, Central Asia, and other African regions, driving meaningful impact through region-adapted, evidence-based approaches.