Cyprus Lags Behind Europe in Access to Innovative Medicines

Cyprus ranks 21st among 36 European countries in terms of access to innovative treatments. This is shown by data from the EFPIA W.A.I.T. Indicator study, published by the Cyprus Association of Research and Development Pharmaceutical Companies (KEFEA).

According to the study, of the 168 innovative medicines approved in Europe between 2021 and 2024, only 66 are available in Cyprus, which amounts to 39%. The European average stands at 45%.

At the same time, the average waiting time for access to new medicines in Cyprus is 528 days. Although this figure is better than the European average of 597 days, the problem lies in the limited number of medicines that ultimately become available to patients.

A particular concern is the fact that even available medicines are often subject to significant restrictions. According to KEFEA, only 2% of innovative medicines are provided to patients without additional procedures, while 92% require special permits or other administrative approvals.

In the pharmaceutical sector, the main reasons for the delays are seen as slow regulatory processes, complex assessment procedures and limited healthcare budgets. Industry representatives stress the need to speed up approval and reimbursement mechanisms for medicines.

KEFEA Chairman Kyriakos Mikkellis said that in some cases the assessment of new medicines can take two to three years, which significantly delays patients' access to modern treatment.

The situation is more positive for anticancer medicines: 32 of the 56 new oncology drugs included in the study are available in Cyprus, which amounts to 57%.

Experts stress that for patients, delays mean not only bureaucratic hurdles, but also missed opportunities for more effective treatment, improved quality of life and, in some cases, saving a life.