BERLIN, May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Bundesverband der Pharmazeutischen Industrie e.V. (BPI) puts a strong focus on Europe, in order to promote the interests of German pharmaceutical companies at European level. Dr Bernd Wegener, chairman of BPI: "We dedicate experts and funds to creating our own basis for representing our membership." Dr Wegener continues: "The interests of European pharmaceutical companies and especially of small and mid-sized enterprises are not given enough consideration in the work of EFPIA (European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations)."
The BPI chairman misses a clear-cut European industry policy:
"Mainly the change of EFPIA from an organisation of associations into an organisation of associations and companies has also brought changes in interest representation in the political arena - to the disadvantage of the interests of the European pharma industry which is primarily characterised by small and mid-sized structures."
As a logical consequence, BPI decided to leave EFPIA today. In the BPI's activities in Brussels the emphasis is now on pharma companies with a strong commitment to Europe as an industry location, because - unlike other industries - these businesses are currently not adequately represented.
BPI set out on a new path with the opening of its own Brussels office in early 2008, for an effective representation of member companies. This makes BPI the first German pharma association with a Brussels office of this kind, for a presence at European level.
Dr Wegener: "Our Brussels office ensures that BPI activities in Germany and in Europe go hand in hand, with a good information flow and answers in political issues for all BPI members. In cooperation with our member companies, our Brussels office has already become well established. Important contacts have been built up with European bodies and decision-makers. In the future, the voice of pharma companies with a European commitment will be much stronger in Brussels."
With over 50 years of experience in drug research, development, authorisation, manufacture and marketing, Bundesverband der Pharmazeutischen Industrie e. V. (BPI) covers the wide range of pharmaceutical industry activities at national and international levels. The membership of BPI includes over 260 enterprises with some 72,000 staff: Classic pharmaceutical companies, businesses from biotechnology, phytopharmacy and homeopathy/ anthroposophy as well as pharma service providers.
Contact: Wolfgang Strassmeir, phone +49-30-27909-131, wstrassmeir@bpi.de
Contact: Wolfgang Strassmeir, phone +49-30-27909-131, wstrassmeir@bpi.de
