Advanced pharma manufacturing

Switzerland is world renowned for its cutting edge research in the pharmaceutical industry, but far fewer people are aware that it is also an important manufacturing location for medicines. with around 19 production sites and around 10,000 employees, pharmaceutical manufacturing of Interpharma members plays a key role in the national economy and prosperity, and secures supply of medicinal products to patients both in Switzerland and around the world. Pharmaceutical manufacturing also safeguards jobs and makes a considerable contribution to Switzerland’s success as an export market with its international network. Suppliers – such as the strong Swiss chemical industry – are also an important success factor for Switzerland as a production location. Political stability and legal certainty, an attractive investment environment and, above all else, unhindered access to export and import markets are vital to the joint success of both industry and Switzerland as a location. The pharmaceutical industry in Switzerland relies on a stable multilateral trading system to import and export its goods, but it is coming under increasing pressure – with geopolitical challenges in particular making it necessary to strengthen local advantages. Swiss quality enjoys a first-class reputation around the world – but in a changing industry, quality alone is not enough. The production of medicines is on the verge of transformation, with artificial intelligence, robotics and automation revolutionizing manufacturing processes. Advanced pharma manufacturing is the new catchphrase. It means more than just an increase in efficiency – it paves the way for us to continue meeting the high standards of quality, safety and reliable supply in the future too, while at the same time retaining our competitive edge. Naturally, this also brings challenges along with it: regulatory requirements, a shortage of skilled workers and international competitive pressure in particular.

High-tech elements in manufacturing

The profound change in Swiss pharmaceutical manufacturing can be mastered primarily with the aid of new technologies – including high-tech elements that increase the reliability, stability and efficiency of manufacturing processes and supply chains, giving patients swifter and more secure access to high-quality medicines. Highly automated processes ensure maximum precision, while artificial intelligence (AI) analyzes the likes of colors or particles in real time. Process models allow both simulation and optimization (often referred to as “digital twins”), not to mention advanced process monitoring in real time. These advances enable continuous quality control, increase production speed and reduce the risk of human error. In future, successful companies will be the ones that implement innovative technologies in a targeted manner and translate them into measurable progress. While the pharmaceutical industry in Switzerland is certainly on the right track, there is still lots to be done to ensure competitiveness in the long run. However, the use of new technologies is also accompanied by challenges: technological dependencies, higher sustainability requirements and considerable economic challenges. Added to this is the human factor: Switzerland has a highly qualified workforce, but demand is growing faster than supply. Particularly in hightech areas, new job profiles that require targeted further development of training and qualifications are emerging. The key question is: Can Switzerland continue to strengthen its pharmaceutical production sites as an innovation leader, or is there a threat of offshoring? Switzerland has been at the top of the WIPO’s Global Innovation Index (GII) for more than ten years. According to the related report, Switzerland is the world’s most effective country with respect to turning investments in innovation into results. The goal must be for this to also apply to high-tech pharmaceutical products. Meeting this challenge requires targeted measures – from promoting technological investment to ensuring a stable regulatory and economic environment.