EU strengthens medicine supply chains with new legislation

EU legislation strengthening medicine supply chains has reached an important milestone, with patient organisations welcoming the inclusion of orphan medicinal products within the scope of the new framework. The Critical Medicines Act aims to reduce European dependency on external suppliers for essential medications. Patient groups praised protections for rare disease treatments, though industry representatives expressed concerns about competitiveness requirements. The legislation represents the EU's strategy to secure pharmaceutical supply chains following pandemic-related shortages.