3 questions to the new Interpharma Board members: Anne Mette Wiis Vogelsang, CVP & General Manager Novo Nordisk Switzerland

May we ask you to briefly introduce yourself and tell us a little about your current position in your company?

I am Danish, married, and a mother of two children. I studied economics and law in Denmark and furthered my education in “Strategy, Innovation, and Leadership” at INSEAD and Harvard Business School. I have been working in various leadership positions at Novo Nordisk for the last 13 years across Denmark, Eastern Europe, the US and China. Most recently, I was responsible for the business in Hong Kong and served as the CFO for China. Prior to joining Novo Nordisk, I worked in the Oil and Gas industry, the media industry and in the Danish government. In July 2023, I took on the role of General Manager of Novo Nordisk’s Swiss affiliate. I am passionate about organizational and people growth as well as Diversity and Inclusion.

What do you want to focus on in your role as a board member of Interpharma?

In my role as board member of Interpharma, it is particularly important to me to strengthen prevention. Prevention across the health pathway leads to a healthier population and ensures the sustainable financing of the Swiss healthcare system. This should involve effective and measurable goals, preventing diseases, early diagnosis as well as avoiding progression of diseases.  

Furthermore, I will advocate for the modernization of the pricing system, which enables patients to access urgently needed therapies faster and appropriately rewards the value of innovations.

Finally, I will work towards establishing a national digital health infrastructure. Data are fundamental to drive a value-based healthcare system which enables effective and cost-reducing prevention and promotes medical innovations.

How important is Switzerland as a pharmaceutical center for your company? Where and how can Switzerland as a pharmaceutical center continue to improve and how should the framework conditions be adapted?

Switzerland plays a pivotal role for us. We have been present in Switzerland since 1930. Currently, we employ around 380 people at the Zurich Airport location, a little over a quarter of them working in the local branch. In addition, the Swiss site hosts the International Operations branch, Global Rare Disease, and the region of Southeast Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Stable political and economic conditions are crucial for the attractiveness of the pharmaceutical industry in Switzerland. Therefore, Switzerland should swiftly advance negotiations on the Bilaterals III with the EU – its most important economic partner – to restore legal and planning certainty for the Swiss pharmaceutical industry.

CH24NNG00032_06/2024