Welcome
We are delighted to welcome you to Affordable Medicines Europe’s website, which is dedicated to providing information about the licensed parallel distribution of medicines in Europe, as well as information on our association.
What is parallel trade?
In the Single Market parallel distribu- tors can buy pharmaceuticals in any EU/EEA country and then under strict- ly regulated conditions transport, re- package and resell them in another. Where differences in prices for the pharmaceuticals in question exists, it is relevant. This fosters competition and thus counteracts excessive pricing stra- tegies of producers and patent holders.
Safety
Parallel distribution of medicines is not only legal but also strictly regulated under EU and national regulation. Pa- rallel import requires both GDP and GMP licenses as well as import autho-risations. Parallel imports are also sub-ject to the requirements of the Falsi-fied Medicines Directive. Safety is vitally important for parallel importers and exporters.
Savings
Prices of medicines between EU coun-tries sometimes vary, and a product may be lower priced in e.g. Germany or Sweden than in Poland and France. Another product may conversely be lower priced in France than Germany. Parallel distributors find excess stocks in one country and brings at a lower price into another. This creates compe-tition and leads to significant savings.
Shortages
Currently the EU is facing serious shortages, and the problem has been exacerbated over the last few years. While shortages are predominantly caused by supply issues and restric-tions from manufacturers for which long-term solutions must be found. Meanwhile parallel distribution contributes to solving shortages by importing medicines in shortage.
Who we are
Affordable Medicines Europe represents Europe’s licensed parallel distribution industry, an integral part of the European pharmaceutical market that adds value to society by introducing price competition – especially for patented medicines – and a supplementary layer of product safety. In this our members work everyday to make medicines more affordable for European healthcare systems and patients.
Our industry has an annual turnover of 5.5 billion Euro. We have more than 120 companies in 23 EU/EEA Member States as members. These members account for approximately 80% of the total parallel import market volume in the EU/EEA. Membership of Affordable Medicines Europe is exclusive to companies holding a wholesale (GDP) license (export and import). All importing members furthermore are GMP licensed.
Affordable Medicines Europe is managed from Brussels by our Secretariat.
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AFFORDABLE MEDICINES EUROPE IS A MEMBER OF
