Ensuring the sustainability of healthcare systems requires a strategic and comprehensive policy response. Current short-term cost containment measures that exclusively target the price of medicines risk undermining, rather than improving access. The American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmCham EU) believes that focusing on meaningful patient outcomes and the value of innovative medicines is part of the solution. Europe also needs to further encourage research and development and innovation, of which the patent system remains a key driver. This will deliver new life-saving treatments to patients and spur economic growth and job creation in the EU.