The European Commission answers to the parliamentary inquiry from the MEP Action Group

In December, members of the MEP Action Group for the Medical Use of Psychedelics posed several Parliamentary questions to the European Commission, seeking clarity on the prioritization of novel mental health treatments in the EU R&I area. The questions were as follows:

1.           … could the Commission prioritise mental health disorders with targeted R&I incentives, similar to the case of antimicrobial resistance, orphan and pediatric therapies?

2.           Given that all therapeutic areas have unmet needs, would the Commission agree that prevalence and societal impact should also be a criterion for high unmet medical needs?

3.           What actions has the Commission taken to encourage new mental health treatments, and what are the plans in the light of the ongoing review of pharmaceuticals legislation?

Health Commissioner Ms Kyriakides responded offering insights that, while not directly addressing each query, provide valuable information and policy guidance.

Her response highlighted several EU mental health projects that encourage knowledge exchange and best practice sharing among Member States. 

Additionally, the Commissioner discussed the joint ecosystem for brain research. This will be an upcoming EU partnership on brain health, expected to run for 7-10 years, starting in Q4 2025/Q1 2026, with a projected joint contribution from the Commission and Member States of around €500 million. 

The Commissioner's response also touched upon the critical issue of unmet medical needs. 

Read the full question and reply here: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-9-2023-003603_EN.html