Biopharmaceutical CEO Roundtable meets in New York, focusing on challenges and opportunities, role of pharmaceutical innovation

The Biopharmaceutical CEO Roundtable (BCR), which represents the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies, met in New York City, on 21 November, to discuss global health challenges and public health policies impacting medical innovation.

22 November 2024, New York City - The CEOs of leading biopharmaceutical companies met in New York City to discuss collaborative solutions that can help achieve better health outcomes globally, and how the scientific and medical innovation delivered by the pharmaceutical industry can have a positive societal and economic impact.

Innovation plays a role in addressing the health and economic impacts of chronic disease, antimicrobial resistance, and shifting demographic trends worldwide. Medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics should be viewed as future-focused investments in health across countries, with an emphasis on their long-term value to society.

The meeting was also an opportunity to address the need for supportive policy frameworks to foster a strong innovation ecosystem and facilitate access to medicines, vaccines and other health technologies, including through regulatory and health systems strengthening. BCR members believe these solutions require multistakeholder engagement, and work in partnership with multilateral organizations and national governments.

IFPMA President and BCR Chair Dr. Albert Bourla, Chairman and CEO of Pfizer, said:

"It was a privilege to help lead another successful BCR and welcome colleagues from across our industry to New York. Through these discussions I am reminded that we are all committed to continue advancing the purpose that guides us as an industry. We will always put patients at the centre because the opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives is why we do what we do. Pharmaceutical innovation is essential to society - as we focus on our top priorities in the next couple of years, and continue to unleash the power of science, I have no doubt we'll find many opportunities to make meaningful strides forward in the interests of patients."

IFPMA Director General and BCR Secretary, David Reddy said:

"The pharmaceutical industry is committed to driving scientific progress that translates into the next generation of medicines and vaccines that deliver a healthier future for people everywhere. The discussions today focused on how to make this possible, and how our industry can bring our expertise to drive solutions to some of the biggest global challenges facing the world today. I am confident that, with our shared commitment, we can continue to transform lives."