First training workshop of SfEE Patient Think Tank: The journey of medicine
Announcement
Athens, December 5th, 2023.- In the framework of the regular meetings of the Hellenic Association of Pharmaceutical Companies (SfEE) with representatives of Patients’ Associations, the first educational workshop of the SfEE Patient Think Tank was held yesterday at a central hotel in Athens. The meeting, attended by more than 30 representatives of Patients’ Associations and executives of the Association and its member companies, presented the “Journey of medicine” from research and development to clinical trials.
The Medical Director of AbbVie Mrs. Tina Antachopoulou and the Medical Director of Boehringer-Ingelheim Mr. Nikos Nikas analyzed the research and development of new medicines and the phases of clinical trials, stating that the largest investment in research and development contributes to Biomedical Research, with 60% of biomedical research funding coming from the pharmaceutical industry. Currently, there are more than 18,500 medicines under development worldwide, and the cost of developing a medicine represents a significant financial challenge.
The Director of the Medical Department of Pharmaserve-Lilly and coordinator of SfEE’s clinical trials team, Mr. John Hondrelis, presented what the situation with clinical trials is today, both at European level and in our country. Clinical trials are a valuable pillar in promoting patients’ health and well-being, bringing significant benefits to patients. Immediate access to innovative treatments and medicines improves patients’ health, while specialized scientific monitoring and diagnostic tests in the context of studies promote better care, improving their quality of life.
During the workshop, an interactive and substantive discussion took place, where views were exchanged and various issues were analyzed in depth, while the importance of strengthening two-way communication channels was strongly highlighted.
This first pilot workshop of the SFEE Patient Think Tank launched a series of training sessions aimed at providing appropriate information and training to Patients’ Associations, so that they are more informed about their role at the various stages of the medicine journey and to facilitate their cooperation with healthcare professionals, authorities, and the pharmaceutical industry. Finally, it was agreed to resume the event with additional topics in the first two months of next year.
