EUCOPE strengthens its expertise on Joint Clinical Assessments with the appointment of Dr. Thomas Ecker

Brussels, 1 July 2026

The European Confederation of Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs (EUCOPE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Thomas Ecker as Senior Expert on Joint Clinical Assessments (JCA), reinforcing the Association’s commitment to supporting members in the implementation of the European Health Technology Assessment (EU HTA) Regulation.

As Joint Clinical Assessments become an integral part of the European regulatory and market access landscape, companies are facing a fundamentally new framework for evidence generation, stakeholder engagement and access planning. Supporting members through this transition is a strategic priority for EUCOPE.

By expanding its expertise in this area, EUCOPE aims to further strengthen its policy work, member services and stakeholder engagement on Joint Clinical Assessments, ensuring that the perspectives of innovative health technology companies continue to contribute constructively to the successful implementation of the EU HTA Regulation.

In his role as Senior Expert on Joint Clinical Assessments, Dr. Ecker will support EUCOPE and its members with strategic and technical expertise on developments relating to Joint Clinical Assessments and their implementation. His work will contribute to EUCOPE’s policy activities, member communications and dialogue with European stakeholders, while helping members navigate the evolving European HTA framework.

Dr. Thomas Ecker is one of Europe’s leading experts in pharmaceutical market access and health technology assessment. In 2011, he co-founded Ecker + Ecker, which has become one of Germany’s leading consultancies in pricing, reimbursement and market access. Throughout his career, he has advised pharmaceutical companies on HTA strategy and reimbursement pathways, contributed to numerous German benefit assessment procedures, Joint Clinical Assessments and Joint Scientific Consultations and has been actively engaged in the preparation for Joint Clinical Assessments through publications, conferences and training initiatives.

Dr. Alexander Natz, Secretary General of EUCOPE, said:

“The implementation of the EU HTA Regulation marks one of the most significant changes to the European market access landscape in recent decades. As this new framework continues to evolve, it is essential that innovative companies have access to high-quality expertise and practical guidance. We are therefore delighted to welcome Thomas to EUCOPE. His extensive experience will further strengthen our ability to support members and contribute constructively to the implementation of Joint Clinical Assessments across Europe.”

Dr. Thomas Ecker said:

“Joint Clinical Assessments represent an important opportunity to strengthen evidence-based decision-making across Europe and will become a blueprint even outside of Europe. Successful implementation will require continuous dialogue between policymakers, HTA bodies and innovators. I look forward to supporting EUCOPE and its members during this important phase of implementation.”

Through this appointment, EUCOPE further expands its expertise in European Health Technology Assessment and reinforces its role as the leading voice for innovative health technology companies committed to improving patient access to innovation across Europe.

More details on EUCOPE’s work here.