Press release: Switzerland continues to lose ground in access to new medicines – supply and location at risk

Switzerland continues to slide in terms of access to new innovative drugs compared to other European countries: according to IQVIA’s EFPIA WAIT Indicator 2024, Switzerland has dropped yet again, from sixth to seventh place. Particularly alarming is the fact that compared to Germany only about half as many new innovative drugs are reimbursed as standard via the Specialties List– and that number continues to decline.

“Of the new innovative drugs approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) between 2020 and 2023, the number reimbursed via the Specialties List in Switzerland, and thus equally accessible to all patients, is just 52 percent of the level in Germany,” says the author of the study Meikel Ens of IQVIA. Oncology is particularly badly affected: Switzerland fell from second to fifth place in this field. Only six out of ten new cancer drugs available in Germany are available to Swiss patients as standard. The supply situation is even worse when it comes to drugs for rare diseases: compared to Germany, only around a third as many of these “orphan drugs” are covered in Switzerland.

Pause for reflection instead of further dismantling: secure the supply

“Switzerland must ensure the supply of innovative, life-saving medicines to its population,” says Interpharma CEO René Buholzer. “In the current geopolitical environment, and particularly in view of developments in the US, we urgently need a pause for reflection when implementing regulatory projects, as well as a comprehensive modernization of the pricing system.” The pricing system for medicines is outdated and out of step with the times. It creates false incentives, prolongs remuneration procedures and jeopardizes access. Sabine Bruckner, CEO of Pfizer Switzerland and Chair of the Market Committee at Interpharma, says: “A modern system with clear rules is long overdue – suggestions from industry have been on the table for a long time.” Without reforms, the small Swiss market will continue to lose attractiveness, putting patient care at risk.

Strategy for Switzerland as a business location

In order to maintain the international competitiveness of Switzerland as a pharmaceutical location, a coherent, overarching location strategy is also required in the medium term. “Switzerland is still a leader in research and development, but if a strategic course is not set, there is a risk of a gradual loss of attractiveness,” warns René Buholzer. Necessary steps include:

• strengthening clinical research, e.g. through a fast-track procedure for authorizations
• building a functioning health data ecosystem
• ensuring access to international markets and skilled workers, including bilateral relations with the EU

Many neighboring countries and major economies have developed or already implemented such life science strategies, including the EU and Germany. Interpharma presented the outline of a strategy back in 2019. We appeal to the Federal Council to adopt such a strategy to strengthen Switzerland as a location for pharmaceutical research and production.

On the positive side, many of these measures are within Switzerland’s control. If we act decisively now, we can close gaps in care, strengthen our innovativeness and secure the future viability of the Swiss healthcare system.