EU Biotech Act: Extended drug protection sparks debate

An extra year of protection for biotech medicines could boost investment in Europe – but also delay access to cheaper alternatives. The proposal is one of the most contentious elements of the EU's new Biotech Act.

By Dorte R. Jungersen

November 2, 2026 9:56 AM

For Europe's biotech companies, the journey from laboratory research to an approved medicine is long, costly and uncertain.

This is one of the central issues in the Biotech Act, which the European Commission presented in December 2025. The legislative package aims to improve conditions for Europe's biotech industry and make it easier to develop, test and manufacture new treatments in Europe.

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