Swiss Biotech Report

Conservation of nature and biodiversity: a global responsibility There is no doubt that our planet’s biodiversity is under severe threat. Studies estimate that around 150 species go extinct every single day. To put this in perspective: if members of the Swiss Biotech Association were to go bankrupt at the same rate, it would cease to exist in about four days.

This year’s Swiss Biotech Report focuses on the power of international alliances. In an era when isolationist policies and “me first” approaches have gained traction, Switzerland’s collaborative model offers a compelling counterproposal. By fostering a culture of innovation and international knowledge exchange, Switzerland supports an attractive approach to increase collective impact and j

Despite many biotech companies continuing to face financing challenges in 2024, some Swiss companies performed well and positively influenced the key industry metrics. Overall capital investments in the Swiss biotech industry were CHF 2.5 billion in 2024, an increase of 22% compared to the previous year, but this was shared between a relatively small number of companies. Private biotech companies

Products from the chemical, pharmaceutical and life sciences industries contributed CHF 149 billion to Switzerland’s export trade in 2024. With a 52% share of total exports, the sector has extended its lead as Switzerland’s largest export industry.

International scientific exchange ensures that the world’s best can compete and collaborate with the most advanced methods and technology in their field. The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) values global collaboration and offers researchers a range of opportunities. Laure Ognois, Head of the International Cooperations Department at SNSF, discusses key questions on the benefits of collab

Switzerland’s global influence in biotechnology research and innovation has continued to grow in recent decades. Two thirds of journal articles with a Swiss author include international partners, and there is a strong correlation between international collaboration and quality as measured by citation frequency. Biotechnology articles from Swiss institutions are cited most frequently, both in sci

Switzerland excels in hands-on, practical training of its native talent through several educational institutions. Students attending universities of applied sciences (UAS), universities and university hospitals are keen to participate in international exchanges and bring an enriched perspective back to the organizations they later work for. Within Biotechnet, many of our scientific members have mu

Switzerland is a champion of innovation and one of the world’s most advanced free-market economies, with a strong foundation in biotechnology and its application in the pharmaceutical sector. Switzerland’s privileged position brings with it an obligation - to develop sustainable technological solutions for a less privileged global society. This can only be achieved through international allian

The Swiss biotech industry can rely on its independent, competent and internationally networked agency for therapeutic products. Collaboration with other national regulators strengthens Switzerland’s position as an innovative research and development location, and enables it to play a leading role in shaping global standards.

In the dynamic landscape of biotechnology, Switzerland stands out not only for the power of its innovation but also for its collaborative spirit. Despite the country accounting for just 0.5% of the world’s GDP and 0.1% of its population, Switzerland’s life sciences ecosystem punches well above its weight. Swiss biotech thrives by forging alliances that harmonize efforts, amplify outcomes, and

Biotechnology applications are expanding globally into many areas beyond the pharmaceutical sector. A growing range of products meet consumer demands while contributing to sustainability and climate protection. However, the current European authorization process for these innovative products is unnecessarily burdensome and limits market access. Leading European business organizations have come tog

Switzerland Global Enterprise’s Sirpa Tsimal talks to Leila Schwery and Michael Hübner of Johnson & Johnson about the company’s commitment to fostering global partnerships, the evolution of its manufacturing and supply chain strategies, and the critical role Switzerland plays in shaping its global capabilities.

SIX Swiss Exchange reviews publicly listed companies included in ‘Highlights of 2024: Year in Review’ (Pages 52 to 55). While Santhera and Kuros made good progress, SIX recognizes the notable success of Basilea which, 20 years after its IPO in 2004, has reported increasingly robust profits.