This was announced at an event which took place at ELPEN's facilities in Pikermi, Greece, on October 31, which the Chairman and Founder of ELPEN, Mr. Dimitrios Pentafragas, addressed, stating that:
"50 years ago, a small group of people with limited resources, but many dreams, lay the foundations of a strong Greek pharmaceutical company that would offer significant service to the national economy, to the Pharma-Health communities, and most importantly to our fellow citizens to whom would be offered the greatest of gifts: Health. Today, during these difficult yet productive times, we feel proud because ELPEN spearheaded by the Elpenhaler® device, has evolved into a modern European company ready to rise to, and to face, the current and future challenges. We seek to grow as a company for our beloved country, Greece!"
Focusing on drug policies and domestic production, ELPEN Vice President Theodore Tryfon emphasized that, "Sadly, the debate on pharmaceutical expenditure continues to focus on the price of generics, whether they offer "value", whether they should be prescribed under a trade name or simply by their active ingredient, with the aim to distract from the essence of the huge problem of expenditure cutbacks. It is obvious that the problems arise mainly from the everpresent absence of policies regarding pharmaceuticals, the unregulated volume of prescribing practices, the high rate of dated, off-patent drugs substituted by newer, more expensive drugs for the same indications, the lack of logistics regulation, and the implementation of prescribing guidelines and treatment protocols.
Instead of reinforcing domestic drug production, this single-dimension political focus on drug prices has led to massive exports. The Greek pharmaceutical industry has been and remains capable of covering the domestic demand with high quality pharmaceuticals. Under the current political climate, instead of moving forward, we are receding 10 years, since pharmaceutical expenditure in 2014 is expected to be even lower than that of 2004, and 60% lower than that of 2009! Moreover, the lack of a consistent framework is a deterrent to companies in order to plan ahead or to support new investments, since nobody knows what may lie ahead, not even in the immediate future. The present is a true opportunity to support the effort of the Greek pharmaceutical industry, which amidst great hardship, has indeed proven that it can maintain and allow for growth in the Greek economy, that it can boost employment, enhance the balance of trade, and offer Greek patients innovative, safe and high-quality therapies."
In her presentation of ELPEN's international innovation, i.e. the proprietary device Elpenhaler® invented by the Founder and Chairman Dimitrios Pentafragas, Ms. Avgi Charalambous, Counselor to the Chairman, pointed out that ELPEN is the first pharmaceutical company in the world to receive marketing authorizations in Europe for its hybrid fluticasone/salmeterol Elpenhaler® combination. Elpenhaler® is patented in over 80 countries; initially developed to treat Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), it is the spearhead in ELPEN's plans for global development. More specifically, she noted that, "With the fluticasone/salmeterol Elpenhaler® combination approved in 27 European countries, patients, both in Greece aswell as in another 8 countries where the device is already marketed, have a modern and effective weapon for the treatment of Asthma and COPD."
Mr. Andreas Christodoulou, Director of International Business Development, added that Elpenhaler® was the reason why in February 2012, ELPEN's subsidiary: ELPEN PHARMA GmbH, was established in Germany (Berlin); it employs 30 experienced professionals which makes it an acknowledged force in the pharmaceutical sector in Germany. Mr. Christodoulou stressed that, "In exploiting ELPEN's potential and the Elpenhaler® approval in all European countries, the immediate goal is to establish strong partnerships in the Balkans, the Baltic countries, and in Scandinavian countries, building thus sustainable bonds with local companies, healthcare authorities, distributors, and Agents. This remarkable growth in the company's exports endeavors is reflected upon the number of countries where we export our products: 60 countries worldwide out of which 27 are European. It is also reflected upon by the volume of the company's export sales which has increased twofold: from €12 million in 2006 up to over €25 million today and with a forecast to increase twofold again, by 2016!"
ELPEN's heart has been "beating" already for 18 years at the Experimental Research Center, the first private-sector laboratory for Experimental Biomedical Research and Training in the Greek private and industrial sectors. Dr. Apostolos Papalois, Biologist and Director of the Center, emphasized that, "It is a truly ground-breaking idea for Greece, for science, and for the national economy, an "incubator" of private and public partnerships and training which support international and domestic scientific partnerships and experimental research programs with the General Secretariat for Science & Technology, the European Union, and other groups. A further goal is to conduct pre-clinical (in vivo) experimental research of new molecules for diseases associated with the Central Nervous System, Inflammation, the Respiratory System, and Cardiology. By virtue of its dynamic activity up until July 2013 the Experimental Research Center received more than 10,000 visitors!" Ever since 2011, following a 2-year preparation, Scholarships were awarded by ELPEN's Scientific & Experimental Center. Dr.Papalois noted that, "The Scholarship Program enjoys legal recognition by universities and other scientific groups, and to date it has supported more than 100 scientific programs. Following a recent international tender with over 50 applicants, the Scientific & Experimental Center will award 5 new Scholarships: for Experimental Cardiology, for Experimental Gastroenterology, and for Gastroenterology Clinical Laboratory Research."
Outlining ELPEN's values and "soul", Mr. Konstantinos Ioannidis, Director of Corporate Communication & Human Resources, emphasized the need for a discreet, yet substantial contribution to society, which in troubled economic times is a matter that concerns us all. Mr. Ioannidis stressed that, "ELPEN is an active citizen and a 'live' member of society that experiences the same problems, shares the same concerns, which is why it seeks to include as many people as possible in its Corporate Social Responsibility projects in Greece aswell as in other countries on Earth. Corporate Social Responsibility projects cover 5 axes: Environment, Culture, Education, Sports and Charity, and at ELPEN we always maintain our interest alert and sharp for new areas of action, which will help our fellow man."
ELPEN's cutting-edge Experimental Research Center, our fundamental belief in extroversion and our international competitive potential, our 820 employees, our specialized scientists, researchers and executives, form the Heart, Mind and Soul of ELPEN, the Leading Greek Pharmaceutical Company. After a successful 50-year presence in the pharmaceutical market and by virtue of the quality and efficacy of the drugs it develops and manufactures in its facilities, ELPEN has won the recognition and acknowledgement of the entire Pharma-Health sector, of patients, and of its partners in Greece and worldwide! Driven by its growing operations, ELPEN is preparing to launch its campaign in November 2014.