Access VetMed held its 23rd Annual CEOs Meeting on the 18th and 19th of September in Barcelona. The event, organized by Alivira at the Dolce Barcelona Resort, brought together 70 CEOs and senior executives from companies that are part of the association.
The European veterinary generics industry is currently preparing a package of urgent measures to address the impact of the current regulatory framework. In this regard, Regulation (EU) 2019/6, although designed to simplify procedures and improve the availability of medicines, has in some cases led to increased costs and reduced operational flexibility, particularly affecting small and medium-sized enterprises.
During the event, Access VetMed welcomed three new members — Axience, Salfarm, and Emdoka — bringing the total number of member companies to 30. These members now represent more than 52% of all veterinary generic registrations in Europe.
“This annual meeting is a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences and to address the urgent challenges facing our sector,” said Xavier Molins, President of Access VetMed. “With the addition of three new members, Access VetMed is strengthened, further consolidating its position as the leading voice of the European veterinary generics and value-added medicines industry.”
One of the highlights of the meeting was the presentation of a draft Manifesto. The document, expected to be published in October, will call for concrete actions to mitigate the effects of the current regulatory framework, which at times contradicts its core purpose, and to ensure the long-term viability of the sector across the EU.
Andreas Asamer, member of the Access VetMed Board of Directors, presented recent data showing the growing regulatory and financial burden on the industry. He emphasized how rising administrative costs and fees pose a particular challenge for SMEs, limiting their ability to invest in R&D and expand their workforce to carry out tasks that, while required, do not add value.
The meeting also served as a platform to review the association’s ongoing initiatives in communication, regulatory engagement, and sector collaboration. Participants reiterated the importance of maintaining continuous dialogue with institutions to ensure that generic medicines remain essential to animal health, food safety, and sustainability in Europe.
About Access VetMed
Founded in 2002, Access VetMed represents the European industry of generic and value-added veterinary medicines. Today, it has 30 member companies operating in various European countries. Together, our members represent over €2.6 billion in revenue and generate more than 8,800 direct jobs. The group holds more than 52% of all marketing authorizations for generic and value-added veterinary medicines in Europe.
