Italy hosts forum on life‑science competitiveness and drug access

On 8 July 2026, the Sala Igea of the Istituto dell’Enciclopedia Italiana Treccani in Rome hosted a forum titled “Il sistema delle life science nel nuovo scenario globale”. The event, organised by Healthcare Policy and Formiche with non‑binding support from Angelini Pharma and Bristol Myers Squibb, gathered government advisers, university professors, clinical leaders and industry executives.

Speakers highlighted the strategic role of life sciences for Italy and the EU in attracting investment, strengthening clinical research and ensuring timely patient access amid shifting global value chains and new US pricing policies. The published volume “Il sistema delle life science nel nuovo scenario globale” framed the drug not merely as a cost but as critical infrastructure for public health and industrial competitiveness.

Carlo Altomonte warned that “the MFN issue goes beyond drug pricing – it reflects the broader question of Europe’s role in the new phase of globalization”. Roberto Scrivo noted that the research gap between the EU and the United States has grown from €2 bn to €25 bn in twenty years, while patients wait an average of 597 days in Europe (441 days in Italy) for innovative therapies. The forum concluded with calls to preserve Italy’s attractiveness for clinical trials and early‑stage drug access.