Our General Manager explains how the pharmaceutical company invests in innovation and sets as a priority, for Greece and Cyprus, ensuring that patients have equal and on time access to innovative treatments, promoting the best possible care for all.

Interview to Dimitris Tsoukalas

• How do you assess the current state of the pharmaceutical industry at both the European and Greek levels, and what are the main regulatory or market trends that you believe will shape the future of the sector in the coming years?

The first phrase that comes to mind is “a dynamic market.” The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most strategic sectors for the economy and public health, both at the European and national levels. The sector’s business environment is characterized by constant evolution, with innovation, regulatory evolution and market challenges as its main pillars.

In Europe, the trend focuses on strengthening supply chain resilience, reducing drug shortages, and reinforcing the European production base.

In Greece, the pharmaceutical sector is one of the most extrovert and dynamically growing areas of the economy, with a significant contribution to GDP and employment, showing remarkable resilience.

The advancement of innovation is crucial in shaping the future of global health, significantly impacting patients’ lives, the economy, and society as a whole. New technologies are transforming the way care is delivered — with the patient at the center. The integration of tools such as telemedicine, electronic health records, mobile health applications, and artificial intelligence improve access to care, enhance diagnostics and personalized treatment plans. Simultaneously, the use of big data and real-world evidence improves decision-making and strengthens the safety and efficiency of the healthcare system.

• New therapies are rapidly transforming patient healthcare. How is Servier positioned in this evolving landscape in Greece and Cyprus?

At Servier, we deeply believe that research drives innovation and offers solutions to real, unmet medical needs. For this reason, we strategically focus our efforts in Research and Development (R&D) on particularly challenging therapeutic areas such as oncology/hematology and neurology, leveraging the capabilities of precision medicine.

Servier has all the necessary resources to meaningfully contribute to the advancement of medical science: a long-term vision supported by our unique governance model — as an international pharmaceutical group governed by an independent Foundation — transformative innovation, significant R&D investments, and presence in international innovation ecosystems. Our governance plays a decisive role, allowing us to reinvest a large proportion of our profits into Research and Development.

In both Greece and Cyprus, we remain committed to building meaningful collaborations. We believe that faster progress comes through cooperation and open dialogue among all healthcare stakeholders — both public and private.

• Health policy is an ongoing topic of discussion in Greece. What are your views on recent developments in health policy, and what changes or improvements would you like to see?

Health policies in Greece remain consistently at the center of public dialogue, reflecting the need for a balanced approach between citizens’ access to healthcare services, the promotion of innovation, and the financial sustainability of the system.

In recent years, there have been positive developments with the adoption of significant structural reforms. However, serious challenges persist. Current policy continues to restrict timely access to innovative and essential treatments, while exacerbating healthcare inequalities. The extremely high and constantly increasing level of mandatory rebates — far exceeding those in any other European country — creates a dysfunctional and unsustainable environment. This not only discourages future investments but also increases the risk of withdrawal of important medicines from the Greek market.

In my view, it is crucial to prioritize sustainable public healthcare funding. There is an urgent need for meaningful dialogue and structured collaboration between the government and the pharmaceutical industry.

• We have seen several globally active pharmaceutical companies expand their investments in Greece, from R&D centers to manufacturing facilities. What role does Greece play in Servier’s investment strategy, and are there specific plans you can share for the coming years?

As previously mentioned, the pharmaceutical industry is undoubtedly a critical pillar of the Greek economy.

For Servier, Greece is a stable and strategically significant partner. Our presence in the Greek market began nearly 50 years ago and remains strong and dynamic. Our goal is to continue supporting both our global operations and the domestic economy and healthcare system. We are committed to maintaining and strengthening long-term collaborations with Greek healthcare providers, research and academic institutions, public authorities, and all involved stakeholders — with the patient at the center of every initiative.

We also place particular importance on synergies with Greek pharmaceutical companies, which enhance local production, encourage knowledge transfer, and create added value in the domestic pharmaceutical supply chain.

• What are your strategic priorities for Greece and Cyprus over the next five years, and how do you envision Servier’s contribution to patient outcomes and the broader healthcare ecosystem in the region?

Our main strategic priority for Greece and Cyprus is to ensure that patients have equitable and on time access to our future innovative treatments, promoting the best possible care for all.

In the coming years, Servier will continue its dynamic digital transformation, leveraging advanced technologies that will enhance both our internal operations and the delivery of more effective care to patients.

At the same time, we place particular emphasis on improving patient adherence to their treatment — an issue recognized internationally by organizations such as the WHO and OECD, as it directly relates to public health, patients’ quality of life, and the efficiency of healthcare systems. Non-adherence to medication can lead to worsening conditions, increased hospitalizations, and significant financial burdens for both patients and national health systems. Promoting adherence is not only a medical necessity but also a critical social and economic issue. We are committed to supporting policies that promote the proper use of medicines.

Our strategy is fully aligned with Servier’s 2030 commitments, incorporating corporate responsibility across all areas: patients, employees, society, and the environment.

Finally, we continue to systematically invest in the development and empowerment of our people, as we believe that success in a demanding and ever-changing environment requires strong, united, and inspired teams.