The European Union’s proposed restriction on the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” would have grave implications on the availability of medicines, according to the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA).
EFPIA raised these concerns in a 28 September position paper that was produced in response to a February 2023 proposal by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to limit the manufacture and use of a wide range PFAS. The proposal — put forth by Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Norway — would restrict up to 10,000 substances used in medicines.
The controversial proposal generated 5,600 parties comments; the deadline to respond was 25 September 2023.
“While we support the need to restrict certain PFAS, we need to find the right approach to ensure the continued manufacturing and availability of medicines in Europe,” Nathalie Moll, EFPIA’s Director General said in a statement. “A total ban would see medicines’ manufacturing in the EU grind to a halt in under three years. It would also jeopardise the production of all pharmaceutical substances in Europe and would be in conflict with the EU’s strategy of reducing dependency on nations outside of the EEA in the event of shortages or pandemics.”…
