Strengthening paediatric research

Question for written answer  E-002021/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Caterina Chinnici (S&D), David Lega (PPE), Hilde Vautmans (Renew), Ewa Kopacz (PPE), Giuliano Pisapia (S&D), Pina Picierno (S&D), Carlo Calenda (S&D), Massimiliano Smeriglio (S&D), Alessandra Moretti (S&D), Olivier Chastel (Renew), Cyrus Engerer (S&D), Milan Brglez (S&D), Evin Incir (S&D), Frances Fitzgerald (PPE), Eva Kaili (S&D), Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi (PPE), Ioan-Rareş Bogdan (PPE), Cristian-Silviu Buşoi (PPE), Chrysoula Zacharopoulou (Renew), Ramona Strugariu (Renew), Piernicola Pedicini (Verts/ALE)

Research on paediatric drugs is neglected due to low industrial interest in a limited market. Only 30-50% of medicines in Europe are available for children of different ages and with different diseases[1]. The main factors behind these low percentages seem to be the lack of infrastructural support and investments for conducting innovative and specific paediatric research activities.

In addition to these shortcomings, paediatric issues have not been adequately addressed in Horizon Europe’s strategic plan, with the exception of paediatric cancer.

It is therefore necessary to extend the positive example of paediatric cancer to the numerous and unmet needs connected to all the diseases (genetic, metabolic, rare, chronic, neonatological and neurodevelopmental) that affect children and that do not have adequate therapeutic coverage, which runs counter to the fundamental right of children to receive high-quality therapies[2].

Does the Commission intend to ensure:

• 1.that shares of the funds allocated to Horizon Europe’s ‘Cluster 1 – Health’ are effectively committed to projects dedicated to paediatric (basic, preclinical, translational and clinical) research?
• 2.that the European research strategy adequately guarantees the development of therapies, drugs and medical devices suitable for all paediatric ages, and the implementation of the principle of equal treatment of patients in Europe regardless of their age and pathologies?

Supporters[3]

• [1] Toma M., Felisi M., Bonifazi D., Bonifazi F., Giannuzzi V., Reggiardo G., de Wildt S., Ceci A. and the TEDDY European Network of Excellence for Paediatric Research, ‘Paediatric Medicines in Europe: The Paediatric Regulation – Is It Time for Reform?’, Frontiers in Medicine, Lausanne, 2021
• [2] Articles 24 and 35 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and Article 168 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU)
• [3] This question is supported by Members other than the authors: Giorgos Georgiou (The Left), Brando Benifei (S&D)