Innovation for the benefit of patients
In order to respond to the growing challenges of our society such as the increasing incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases, how can the effectiveness of medical research and innovation be incentivized to ensure that there are adequate treatment options for patients? As stated in the EU Research and Innovation Programme (Horizon 2020)  “there is an urgent need to stimulate private sector research and innovation investments and to accelerate the development of new technologies”. Read more

Mariano Votta
Director Active Citizenship Network

More information:
Council conclusions on innovation for the benefit of patients

Patient Declaration on Medical Research, Innovation and the Global Search for Cures

Throughout the world, health outcomes have improved dramatically over the past decade. The key to this global health progress has been and continues to be the advance in science-based, medical innovation, including new procedures, diagnostics, health technologies and medicines.

While progress has been made, there is still an urgent need to accelerate the pace of drug discovery and research for tomorrow’s cures to address unmet health needs and to reduce the global and economic burden of illness and disease.

There is also much that must be done to strengthen health systems to ensure that these advancements reach the patients who need them. As Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) says, “Health systems are the foundation for better health. All the donated drugs in the world won’t do any good without an infrastructure for their delivery.”  

We, the undersigned, call on national governments around the world to support the global search for new treatments and cures through policies that support, incentivize and promote medical discovery and innovation.

AND

We call on governments around the world to commit to providing sustainable health care delivery, so that people who need treatment and medicines can get them, no matter what their financial standing. Governments should ensure patient and citizen involvement in health policy development and transparency in their decision-making processes.

To download and subscribe the document, click here.

Survey on innovation and the role of patients
During 2014, Ward Health conducted a civic survey concerning medical innovation and the role of patients also with the contribution of civic and patients organizations linked to Active Citizenship Network. The objective of the initiative was to seek the input of the “patient advocacy community” on issues related to drug research and development around the world.

More information:
Incremental Innovation Delivers Choice and Cost-Savings

The Economics of Access to Medicines: Meeting the Challenges of Pharmaceutical Patents, Innovation, and Access for Global Health

Biotechnology R&D expenditure increased by 7.5% in the Basque Country in 2013

Patient involvement for service innovation

Active Citizenship Network has decided to dedicate the 9th celebration of the European Patients’ Rights Day 2015 (launched by ACN in 2003) to the sustainability of healthcare systems focusing on what concerns chronic diseases.
The debate will be focused on different but complementary main aspects such as the responsibility of different actors involved in sustainable healthcare systems and the role of prevention and innovation. Read more

January 26, Rome: a cycle of conferences on the “Europe Founding Mothers” starts
The initiative aims to identify the female personalities who played a crucial role in the construction of the European Union and it is organized by the research group “Young Leaders” of the Luigi Sturzo Institute, in collaboration with the European Institute for Gender Equality of Vilnus and with the support of the European Commission and the European branch of Cittadinanzattiva, Active Citizenship Network. For more information and accreditation: youngleaders@sturzo.it. Read more.

January 27, 2015, Brussels (Belgium): Digital Democracy in the EU: from E-participation to Co-legislating with Citizens
The conference will explore the new possibilities for democracy in the digital age. Particular attention will be paid to recent experience and future potential for crowdsourcing legislation.
It is the final event of the EU project ”JoiEU” in which Active Citizenship Network is partner. Read more.

February 6, 2015 in Chinese Taipei: Integrated approach against fake medicines
The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) is organizing a Workshop on Counterfeit Medicines titled “Integrated approach against fake medicines”. on 6 February 2015 in Chinese Taipei. The workshop will be held in partnership with the Taiwan Food and Drug Regulatory on margins of the 8th Asian Regulatory Conference (ARC) ”Advancing Best Practices for Regulatory Review and Submission in Asia” 4-5 February 2015. Read more.

February 24, 2015, Brussels (Belgium): Official launch of the Member of the European Parliament Interest Group on Brain, Mind and Pain
A joint initiative of Pain Alliance Europe (PAE) and European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA). The Interest Group will be co-chaired by MEPs Marian Harkin, JeroenLenaers and Daciana Octavia Sârbu, and the launch will take place at European Parliament with a cocktail reception at the members’ salon (18.00 – 20.00HRS). Read more