MEDICINES for Ireland has elected Bantry man Joe Keane as its new vice-chairperson.

The representative body for the suppliers of the majority of medicines in Ireland appointed Mr Keane to guide the next phase of growth in the industry.

Since its foundation in 2016, Medicines for Ireland has been promoting the benefits of the increased use of generic, biosimilar, and value-added medicines in Ireland.

The organisation’s core objective is to improve the way Ireland procures and supplies medicines, in order to expand patient access to affordable treatment.

Mr Keane is head of Ireland operations at Sandoz, trading as Rowex in Ireland, and has led the Bantry operation for almost two decades, bringing extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

He said: ‘I am honoured to have been appointed vice-chairperson of MFI at such an important time for our industry.’

Mr Keane’s appointment follows the conclusion of the new Framework Agreement on the Pricing and Supply of Medicines, a landmark agreement that marks a significant step forward in strengthening Ireland’s pharmaceutical sector.

Developed in partnership with the Department of Health, the Department of Public Expenditure and the HSE, the agreement sets out a comprehensive package of measures to improve security of supply, enhance affordability, and support a more predictable and competitive market environment through to December 31st 2029.

Mr Keane continued: ‘We are entering a fresh phase of growth that will strengthen our impact and sharpen our strategic direction.

I look forward to harnessing this opportunity to build momentum, deepen collaboration across the sector, and deliver meaningful progress for our members.’

He thanked outgoing chair Paul Neill for his ‘dedication and leadership particularly during the negotiations on the new framework agreement’.

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