Life Sciences

COVID-19 and the Pharmaceutical and Medical Sector in Poland, Part 1: Impact, Relations with Healthcare Professionals, and Clinical Trials

The DLA Piper report “The COVID-19 pandemic and the pharmaceutical and medical sector in Poland” is based on the feedback from a survey conducted among DLA Piper’s clients and business contacts from the pharmaceutical and medical sector, including producers of medicines, food supplements and medical devices, as well as healthcare service providers. It is the first report that brings together the views of key players in the pharmaceutical and medical industries, describing how they see the current state of affairs on the Polish market and possible future trends, along with their recommendations as to what actions they would like to see taken in the sector. The key findings are summarised in our four briefings, the first of which focuses on the overall impact of the pandemic as well as relations with healthcare professionals and clinical trials.

North Macedonia: Proposed Novelties in the Legislation Related to Cannabis for Medical Purposes

In recent years, the cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes has been a “hot” topic in North Macedonia. In 2016, the country regulated the procedure for the cultivation and production of hemp and hemp extracts. Since then, in line with publicly available information, over 60 approvals for the cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes have been issued.

What’s New in the Amendment to the Public Health Insurance Act

On 14 September 2021, the Chamber of Deputies approved the long-awaited amendment to Act No. 48/1997 Coll., on Public Health Insurance (the “Act”), as returned by the Senate (the “Amendment”). It now awaits signing by the President of the Czech Republic. The Amendment brings a wide range of changes and innovations, such as rules for the entry of innovative drugs and orphan drugs into the reimbursement system, the creation of centres for rare diseases and mental health centres, and the introduction of a definition of a patient organisation.

Krzysztof Mazurek Moves to Precision Medicine Group

Krzysztof Mazurek has joined the Precision Medicine Group as its Deputy General Counsel and Head of Legal Europe. In his new role, he's also acting as Managing Director for CEE Precision Medicine Group Affiliates.

Kosovo: Transformation and Reform of the Pharmaceutical Industry in Kosovo

The pharmaceutical sector in Kosovo is undergoing three major policy and legal reforms to increase its competitiveness and transparency. These reforms are part of a national project to improve the underdeveloped and under-regulated pharmaceutical market which would, in turn, encourage increased spending in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector.

Pharmaceutical Advertising Guide in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Law on Medication and Medical Devices (Official Gazette no. 58/08) and the Rulebook on Manner of Marketing of Medicines and Medical Devices (Official Gazette no. 40/10) regulate the advertising of medicines and medical devices in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Enacting Telemedicine in Romania

Not all the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on Romanian society are negative. The crisis also led to the much-overdue regulation of telemedicine in Romania.