Three questions to Falco Meyer, Country Head – Takeda Switzerland

What do you see as Switzerland’s strengths as a pharmaceutical location?

Switzerland’s greatest strength as a pharmaceutical location is its ability to produce innovations that improve patients’ lives. Switzerland boasts a combination of multiple success factors: scientific excellence, entrepreneurship and political stability. World-class universities, strong vocational training and international talent provide the foundation for innovation. At the same time, research, development, production and commercial activities are closely interlinked, which has enabled Switzerland, over a period of decades, to establish itself as a leading global location for the life sciences. However, this cannot be taken for granted. It is crucial that we continue to create conditions in which innovation not only happens, but actually benefits people.

I see these strengths in action every day at Takeda. With our locations in Zurich and Neuchâtel, we combine local roots with international expertise and have been investing in innovation for the benefit of patients for 40 years.

What does Switzerland need to do right now to ensure that it will continue to be one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical locations in the future?

I really see Switzerland as being at a crossroads. We need to ensure that patients in this country can quickly benefit from medical innovations, because an attractive location for innovation also needs an attractive domestic market. The focus therefore needs to be on establishing a reliable and predictable framework that fosters the trust that companies need in order to commit to long-term investments. I consider it equally important for Switzerland to remain open to international talent, as well as to cross-border research activities – globally, of course, but particularly in exchange with our European neighbors. In my view, we can only maintain our leading position if we consistently combine innovation, competitiveness and patient access.

What would you like to focus on in Interpharma’s Market Committee in order to strengthen Switzerland’s position as a pharmaceutical location over the long term?

For me, the focus is on the patients: the stories of people who gain a new lease on life thanks to innovative therapies are the best illustration of why research and innovation are so important. That is why I am such a strong advocate for patient access and the innovation location being considered in conjunction with each other. Feedback from patients who have gained new hope through innovative therapies also motivates me personally.
I also see great potential in digitalization and data-based innovation in the healthcare sector. This is where we can learn from each other within the industry and share successful approaches even more consistently.

My overall goal is to work with the other members of Interpharma to ensure that Switzerland remains one of the world’s leading life science locations in the future.