Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002031/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Aldo Patriciello (PfE), Isabella Tovaglieri (PfE), Anna Maria Cisint (PfE), Paolo Borchia (PfE), Silvia Sardone (PfE)
The process of researching, developing and bringing life-saving drugs to market is hampered by significant financial costs, which often hinder access to innovative treatments, particularly for rare diseases.
According to numerous industry experts and as documented in recent investigations, a significant number of promising drugs never reach the commercialisation stage because developers lack the funds needed to complete clinical trials, particularly for the transition phase from laboratory research to large-scale testing (known as ‘the valley of death’).
Despite efforts to boost research into medicines for rare diseases, the number of medicines developed for rare diseases remains too low relative to patient numbers and therapeutic needs: there are more than 7 000 rare diseases and millions of Europeans have them.
The Commission has a duty to ensure that everyone in the European Union has access to proper care, including life-saving therapies for rare diseases, through inclusive and sustainable health policies.
In light of the above:
- 1.What does the Commission have to say about the difficulties faced when researching and developing life-saving medicines?
- 2.Could it inform Parliament how it plans to tackle this issue?
Submitted: 21.5.2025