Membership expansion bolsters expertise and voice of Ireland’s generic, biosimilar and value-added medicines industry ahead of pivotal negotiations with the State on pricing and supply

Medicines for Ireland (MFI) has today (27.02.25) announced the addition of two new members, Kora Healthcare and Athlone Pharmaceuticals. This expansion reinforces MFI’s commitment to strengthening the industry voice and delivering on its mission to champion sustainable healthcare solutions and advocate for policies prioritising patient access and affordability.

This is a significant year for the industry as it prepares for the review of the agreement setting out the pricing and supply arrangements for generic, biosimilar, and value-added medicines. MFI is finalising preparations to enter negotiations with the State on the new Framework Agreement where it will advocate for policies that support early market access, invest in the sustainability of low-cost medicines, encourage switching to biosimilars, and recognise the financial and human benefits of value-added medicines

Commenting on the expansion, Chair of Medicines for Ireland, Paul Neill said: “We are delighted to welcome Kora Healthcare and Athlone Pharmaceuticals as members of Medicines for Ireland. Both companies have a wealth of expertise that will assist the association as we prepare to enter negotiations on a new Framework Agreement with the State. Our goal is to strengthen the agreement to minimise medicine shortages impacting Irish patients while delivering millions in savings for the State.”

Welcoming MFI’s membership approval, Commercial Director ROI & ROW at Kora Healthcare, Shane Fitzgearld said: “We are proud to join Medicines for Ireland and stand alongside our peers in advancing the availability of affordable medicines in Ireland through new policies that will safeguard supply. Through collaboration with the State, we can continue to drive advancements that ensure patients have access to the medicines they need when they need them.”

Head of Athlone Pharmaceuticals Limited, Barry Doyle said: “Joining Medicines for Ireland is a significant milestone for Athlone Pharmaceuticals. We look forward to contributing to the association’s efforts to make affordable medicines accessible to patients in Ireland. As an MFI member, we will advocate for policies that bolster manufacturing in Europe and call for regulations to be viewed through the lens of securing supply for patients.”

Vice Chair of MFI, Deirdre Kelly said, “The expertise both companies bring will be invaluable as we continue to champion policies that prioritise patient access, affordability, and sustainability across the pharmaceutical sector and wider healthcare system.”

Medicines for Ireland members unanimously approved the applications from KORA Healthcare and Athlone Pharmaceuticals at its February meeting. Their expertise will be crucial as the association enters pivotal negotiations to shape the future of medicine pricing and supply in Ireland.

For more information about Medicines for Ireland, visit www.medicinesforireland.ie.