Affordable Medicines Europe is the association of parallel importers and exporters of pharmaceuticals, and it represents more than 120 companies operating in 23 countries of the European Economic Area. The mission of its members is to offer a better deal for original European supply. Parallel importers purchase medicines from pharmaceutical wholesalers in other EU/EEA member states, and sell them in the national market at a lower price in compliance with the regulation of the recipient country. Parallel imports of pharmaceuticals create competition in a business where patents provide the rights owners with a monopoly. This competition leads to reductions of the price and the creation of savings.