United Drug were proud to participate in the 2026 Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) Conference at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, this year as title sponsor. The theme, “Steering Through Disruption,” could not have been more timely. Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, shifting global supply chains, and rapid scientific advancement, the conference brought together industry leaders, policymakers, economists, and healthcare experts to explore how the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors can adapt, build resilience, and seize new opportunities.

Hosted by broadcaster Matt Cooper, the event delivered a full and thought‑provoking agenda that reinforced the pivotal role Ireland continues to play in the global life sciences ecosystem.

A Vision for Faster Patient Access

One of the day’s key highlights came from Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who shared plans to develop a new early-access mechanism for rare disease treatments. This initiative represents an important commitment to improving patient outcomes, particularly for individuals and families navigating life with complex, underserved conditions.

The Minister also emphasised the recently announced agreement between the State and the pharmaceutical industry, a development she said will help ensure innovative medicines reach Irish patients much sooner. It reflects continued progress toward a system that is modern, patient‑centred, and equipped to respond to medical innovation at pace.

Economic Insights: The Strategic Strength of Ireland’s Pharma Sector

Another standout moment was the address from Dermot O’Leary, Chief Economist at Goodbody, who unveiled the firm’s latest analysis of Ireland’s pharmaceutical landscape. Their new report reaffirms that the pharmaceutical sector remains one of Ireland’s most strategically important industries, underlining its contribution to:

• Exports
• High‑value employment
• Investment
• Tax revenues

O’Leary highlighted several core strengths, including Ireland’s exceptional track record in hosting multinational value chains and its established position in biologics and advanced therapeutics.

However, the report also underscored the risks that lie ahead, particularly those stemming from US policy shifts and global trade dynamics. As global demand for complex medicines accelerates, Ireland is well‑positioned to remain a key player, but only if policymakers continue to anticipate and address emerging challenges.

Europe’s Innovation Challenge: A Multi‑Stakeholder Perspective

A dynamic multi‑stakeholder panel further explored EU competitiveness and the priorities for Ireland as it prepares for its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

In a rapidly changing geopolitical environment, one where Europe is losing ground in certain areas of health innovation, panellists stressed that a mindset shift is urgently needed. Medicinal innovation should no longer be viewed as a cost line but as a strategic investment with transformative benefits for society, healthcare systems, and economies.

A recurring message from the panel was the need for a holistic, lifecycle‑wide policy approach, spanning discovery, development, manufacturing, regulatory pathways, and patient access. Only by nurturing a vibrant innovation ecosystem can Europe remain a destination for cutting‑edge science, advanced therapeutics, and high‑value investment.

Our Role in an Evolving Landscape

At United Drug, we were delighted to support this year’s IPHA Conference and contribute to an agenda focused on resilience, collaboration, and future‑forward thinking. The insights shared reaffirm the importance of partnership across government, industry, and healthcare, especially as we collectively navigate disruption and work to deliver better experiences and outcomes for patients.

A special thank you to Agency X for their invaluable support in bringing this event to life. Your partnership and expertise were instrumental in ensuring the day was a success.

We also commend IPHA for hosting another impactful and future‑focused conference. The conversations sparked yesterday will continue to shape the strategic direction of the sector for years to come.