New EU Health Commissioner Will Have Full Pharma In-Tray

Olivér Várhelyi of Hungary has been chosen to head up the health portfolio at the European Commission, a post that will involve overseeing the development of numerous key initiatives such as the EU pharmaceutical reform, tackling drug shortages through a “Critical Medicines Act,” and completing the construction of the “European Health Union.”

The appointment, which has yet to be confirmed by the European Parliament, will see Várhelyi become commissioner for health and animal welfare, the latter being an addition to the responsibilities of the post