Stavros Kalafatis: We produce 50% of Europe’s oncology drugs

The Secretary of State for Development highlighted the need for synergy between government, industry and academia to transform the health sector in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

“In a world where biomedical research, new digital technologies and AI are transforming health systems, strengthening collaboration between government, industry, academia, research community and innovation ecosystem is a prerequisite for sustainable development in the health sector,” said the Deputy Minister of State for Research and Innovation, Stavros Kalafatis, speaking at the event of the Association of Pharmaceutical Companies of Greece (SFEE) in the framework of the “Innovation Meets Industry” initiative on the topic: “Innovation in Motion”.

He added that “the initiative deepens the dialogue around innovation in the pharmaceutical sector, highlighting the strong dynamics of the Greek pharmaceutical industry and its contribution to new treatments for patients.”

“For us at the Ministry of Development,” said Mr. Kalafatis, “Research and Innovation are strong pillars that contribute to the country’s new production model, investments and the creation of new jobs.”

He then referred to specific actions that have already been launched. In particular, he stressed: The National Smart Specialisation Strategy NSRF 2021-2027 has highlighted among the eight main sectors, the Pharmaceuticals and Health Life Sciences sector. Through the Recovery Fund, the NSRF and national resources, we support the development of biotechnology products, clinical research and high-tech drug production. We strengthen collaborations between research institutions and pharmaceutical companies to accelerate technology transfer and produce innovative solutions. We promote the participation of Greek institutions in European and international networks, such as Horizon Europe. We are investing in the education and training of young scientists required by the pharmaceutical sector.

The Deputy Minister referred to the significant progress achieved by the Greek pharmaceutical industry ecosystem, “whose contribution during the pandemic was decisive. It gave us weapons of protection against the coronavirus,” he pointed out.

Referring to the performance of the country’s research centres, Mr.

As he stressed: “With the INEB/ECETA project, Greece participates in the European research project CANDLE (National Cancer Data Node Developers) and becomes a strong interconnection hub for national partners from 20 European countries”, and referred to “the adoption of the Amended Agreement ELIXIR establishing the European Biological Data Infrastructure for Research, one of the most important structures in the life sciences”.

“With the government’s pro-investment policies over the last 6 years, our country now produces 50% of Europe’s oncology drugs across Europe, 30% of cardiometabolic drugs and 25% of penicillin drugs. With 45 pharmaceutical factories – out of 400 in the EU – it represents 10% of European production,” the Deputy Minister of Development pointed out, adding that: “With generous incentives we have provided, more than 1.5 billion 1.5 billion have been realised. investments in the fields of research and production of medicines, resulting in the creation of 10 new factories and 14 new research centres“.