Commission playing catch up with US, China in life science sector
Plans for a forthcoming life science strategy include the launch of a non-legislative initiative connecting other upcoming proposals for biotech, AI and research, according to minutes of a recent meeting seen by Euronews, in which the EU executive acknowledged that the bloc is lagging behind the US and China in the sector.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen flagged expectations that the Life science strategy is expected to boost the EU’s competitiveness in the sector in her political manifesto last summer.
Although still in its early stages, EU representatives provided an update in a closed-door meeting last week, outlining key areas of focus.
According to meeting minutes reviewed by Euronews, the strategy is expected to be a non-legislative initiative designed to connect with existing and upcoming EU policies - including the upcoming Biotech Act, the Startup and Scaleup Strategy, the Research & Technology Infrastructure Strategy, the AI in Science Strategy, and the European Innovation Act.
The Commission acknowledges that life sciences are crucial to the EU economy but also recognises that the bloc lags behind the US, China, and other global players in market delivery.
A recent study by the European Patent Office highlighted this decline, showing that while Europe hosts many oncology startups, it is losing its competitive edge in key research areas.
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With increasing global competition, the EU hopes this strategy will help close the gap and re-establish Europe as a leader in life sciences.
One of the core priorities will be advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), a term that encompasses cell and gene therapies.
These treatments, identified in the Draghi report as critical for addressing genetic diseases, aim to replace faulty genes, silence harmful ones, or introduce new genes to fight disease.
The Commission is also looking at ways to de-risk medicinal product development and improve the conditions for multi-country clinical trials.
Additionally, AI and data-driven modelling will play a crucial role in predicting and monitoring personalised health approaches, as well as expanding research in microbiome-related data sharing.
In addition to healthcare, the strategy will also focus on improving food systems to ensure their competitiveness and sustainability by 2050, strengthening the bioeconomy, and advancing safer, greener innovations in the chemicals sector.
Another key element will be investment strategies to support early-stage biotech firms, particularly in the area of blue biotechnology.
The first step toward the strategy’s development will be a call for evidence, expected in March 2025, although the timeline is not yet confirmed.
The final strategy seems set for release in the second half of the year, with Denmark, which will hold the EU Council presidency from July 2025, potentially hosting a major life sciences conference to present it.
