PHARMA...en la guerra

 

Pharmaceutical industry response to the war in Ukraine

14 March 2022

The research-based pharmaceutical industry in Europe stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. 

We condemn the invasion of their country and express our sorrow at the suffering it has caused. As an industry dedicated to saving and improving lives, we stand for peace.

Our first priority is to ensure that medicines reach the patients that need them in Ukraine, in the neighbouring EU Member States, in Russia and in other countries where access to medicines may be negatively impacted. We call on all parties to facilitate the safe passage of medicines and vaccines to those in need.

As a health-based industry and part of the wider EU healthcare community, we will work together to address the health needs of all those affected by this war, in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries as part of the wider humanitarian relief effort.

Our Member Companies and Associations are offering humanitarian support both in Ukraine and for the emerging refugee crisis in neighbouring EU Member States. To date this includes in over 4.7 million doses of essential medicines and more than €28 million in financial support to NGOs.

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Although many multinational companies have stopped operations in Russia or aren't sending their products there, large pharmaceutical companies are still shipping drugs to the country.

However, some companies are curtailing further investment or advertising activities.

GlaxoSmithKline, for example, said that it is stopping all advertising in the country and will not enter into contracts with the Russian government of military.

However, because the company believes everyone has a right to medicines, it will continue to supply its products to the country.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said that while the company is stopping further investment in the country, Pfizer too will continue to provide Russia with its medicines.

AstraZeneca  EVP, biopharmaceuticals unit, Ruud Dobber, speaking at the recent Cowen Healthcare Conference, said that the company has paused some of its trials in Russia and Ukraine, Endpoints News reported.

Endpoints also reported that Merck has stopped recruitment in some clinical trials in the two countries and Bristol-Myers Squibb suspended recruitment for trials in Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday that Johnson & Johnson will continue to provide essential products to Russia, while AmerisourceBergen will continue to supply certain cancer drugs and complete clinical trials there.

Several companies have also announced they are donating medicines and making contributions to non-profit organizations to support Ukraine. Novartis has donated essential medicines as well as made a $3M donation to three humanitarian organizations.

AbbVie is also donating drugs to the Ukrainian government and has donated $1M to non-profits

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