Clonmel Healthcare chief Donagh O'Leary takes chairmanship of Medicines for Ireland

Medicines for Ireland (MFI), the trade body representing suppliers of the majority of medicines used in Ireland, has elected Donagh O'Leary as its new Chairperson, bringing over 25 years of pharmaceutical sector experience to the role at a pivotal moment for the industry.

O'Leary, who previously served as MFI Vice-Chairperson, assumes the position having built Clonmel Healthcare Ltd into Ireland's largest supplier of consumer healthcare products and generic medicines during his tenure as Managing Director.

His appointment coincides with the conclusion of a new Framework Agreement on the Pricing and Supply of Medicines, developed jointly with the Department of Health, the Department of Public Expenditure, and the HSE. The agreement runs to December 2029 and carries the potential to generate up to €1.4 billion in value for reinvestment into innovation and frontline patient services.

O'Leary said: "I am honoured to have been appointed Chairperson of MFI at such an important time for our industry. The recent Framework Agreement holds significant potential for the generics, biosimilars, and value-added medicines sectors, and provides the predictability, certainty and stability that industry and the State need to deliver value and access for patients."

Looking ahead, he added: "With the new Framework Agreement now in place, we are entering a fresh phase of growth that will strengthen our impact and sharpen our strategic direction."

O'Leary also flagged the EU's Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive as an emerging regulatory concern, warning that disproportionate transposition could impose significant financial burdens on generic pharmaceutical manufacturers and ultimately compromise patient access to affordable medicines across Ireland.

He paid tribute to outgoing Chair Paul Neill, who will remain involved on the MFI board and strategy committee.

Read the full account of O'Leary's appointment and MFI's strategic priorities in the complete report by Tipperary Live.