Affordable Medicines Europe

Who we are

Affordable Medicines Europe is the European association that represents Europe’s licensed independent distributors of medicines, an integral part of the European pharmaceutical market. Independent distribution adds value to society by bringing price competition in the pharmaceutical market and generating considerable direct and indirect savings for healthcare systems. Our members work every day to mitigate medicine shortages and make medicines more affordable and accessible for European healthcare systems and patients.

Through the direct membership of 18 national associations and individual companies, Affordable Medicines Europe has 105 member companies in 19 EU and EEA Member States and the UK. These members account for approximately 80% of the total parallel import market volume in the area. In total, the industry amounts to annual sales of 6.7 billion euros. Membership of Affordable Medicines Europe is exclusive to companies holding a wholesale license (Good Distribution Practices), no matter if they undertake export or import activities. Additionally, all importing members are Good Manufacturing Practices licensed. All our members also sign up to the code of conduct of Good Parallel Distribution Guidelines and are subject to internal audits by Affordable Medicines Europe.

Affordable Medicines Europe is managed from Brussels by our Secretariat. The association is governed by its Working Groups, Board of Directors and the General Assembly that takes place twice a year.