Pharmaceutical Industry Day 2025: making the Swiss pharmaceutical industry more competitive

The world is in transition, and Switzerland is coming under pressure. This makes it all the more urgent to strengthen the competitive capability of the Swiss pharmaceutical industry by improving the framework conditions. This is what the EU wants, as well. The new Commission has defined improving this competitive capability as a key issue for its term of office. Its goal is to keep research and investment within Europe, and prevent the USA from gaining an even greater lead over Europe. Revising the EU pharmaceutical legislation should help to achieve this. Switzerland, too, must act.

The Swiss pharmaceutical industry is a global leader in the development of new, innovative drugs. It occupies a decisive position in global competition and it is not only a significant factor in the national economy, but also a key player in research and development that benefits patients. But the pressure is mounting, with other countries and regions increasingly competing to be the most attractive location. Switzerland must ensure that it maintains its competitiveness at both the European and global level.

Jörg-Michael Rupp, President of Interpharma, says: “The Swiss pharmaceutical industry plays a leading role in the development of innovative medicines and in global competition. I am confident that the Swiss government recognizes the opportunities and potential. We are now at a crucial point where we need to act to secure our leading position. Many countries are already responding and developing concrete strategies for the life sciences and pharmaceutical industry. We therefore call on the Federal Council to take immediate action.”

The status quo is not an option

Europe has recognized that it needs to do more to improve its competitiveness to keep up in the global innovation race. Over the next five years, the European Commission will be implementing various measures at the legislative level to improve the Union’s overall competitiveness. The focus is on ensuring that innovative industries do not fall further behind in global competition, in particular in the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries. These measures include revision of the EU’s pharmaceutical legislation. Switzerland could adopt some of its points to boost its competitiveness, while other points would represent a step back. But there is no doubt that the revised EU pharmaceutical legislation will have an impact on Switzerland. And Switzerland must move forward.

Nathalie Moll, Director General of the European pharmaceutical body EFPIA, says: “Switzerland plays a key role in the global pharmaceutical industry, and in view of increasing geopolitical uncertainties and the global shift in competition, it is vital that Europe and Switzerland advance their structured collaboration. The revision of the EU’s pharmaceutical legislation gives us a unique opportunity to future proof our regulatory system in Europe so that we can reposition the region as a powerhouse of innovation for patients and for industry. Some points of the revision are helpful in this regard, while others still need to be improved.”

Key collaboration for the future of the pharmaceutical industry

In addition, Switzerland as a whole needs a sound base for its relations with the EU. Almost half of the pharmaceutical goods produced in Switzerland are exported to the EU, underlining the importance of stable trade relations. Meaningful harmonization, mutual respect and cooperation remain essential in strengthening competitiveness and ensuring access to innovative medicines. The recently published European survey shows that a clear majority of the population feels the same way.