On 25 May we celebrated our 40th Anniversary in an event in the gardens of the Lázaro Galdiano Museum. It was a very intimate evening, a reunion of friends in which the wonderful spirit of collaboration between institutions, collaborators, and CEFI’s patrons and friends was most apparent.

We celebrate not only 40 years of CEFI but also the evolution of innovation protection in Spain over that time, which saw the pharmaceutical industry’s R&D investment reach its second highest figure ever in 2020, some EUR 1.16 billion. Of this total figure, 60% was devoted to clinical research, which positions Spain as an international reference in clinical research.

In addition to the importance of the biomedical sector in terms of R&D and clinical research, there is also greater collaboration with public and private hospitals and research centres and high productivity. This is therefore a strategic sector.

The message from all the participants at the event was unanimous as they highlighted the importance of creating and defending a framework for biomedical innovation in Spain, as well as improving access to innovative treatments and therapies for patients.

These are the challenges that lie ahead as CEFI continues its work.