[The phenomenon of globalization in the pharmaceutical industry]

The globalization of international trading has increased so much over the last ten years that it would seem, from an economical point of view, irreversible. The Pharmaceutical Industry is very much part of this movement and, with the cost of innovation and the necessity to achieve critical mass, the health industry is continuously reorganising on a worldwide scale. A study of the Pharmaceutical Industry over the past 20 years has shown an ever increasing globalization particularly for the most innovative drugs. This global reorganisation of the pharmaceutical environment is far from being finalized, to the contrary it will continue for several years to come. The point is not to agree or disagree but succeed, not only in terms of economic progress but also in terms of resolving social and public health care issues. Medication must be available to all, not only in our own country, but worldwide. Is there a response to this increasing globalization of the economy other than an increasing solidarity locally, regionally and worldwide?