Swiss Biotech Report

Reliable partners form the bedrock of international alliances and supply chains. Such alliances are particularly valuable and vulnerable at times of global crisis, as experienced during the COVID pandemic. Together with Switzerland’s leading universities, hospitals, global CDMOs, and multinational pharma companies, Swiss biotech companies have established a vast network of international collabor

In 2023, the Swiss biotech industry saw a record of CHF 7.3 billion in revenues recognized and was able to raise more than CHF 2 billion in capital investments - an increase of over 50% from 2022.

The life sciences sector (pharmaceuticals, vitamins and diagnostics) is Switzerland’s largest export industry. In 2023, it accounted for 38.5% of total Swiss exports and contributed CHF 105.5 billion to the foreign export trade.

ETH Zurich bioethics professor Effy Vayena has experience collaborating across many different cultures. She talks about the value of cooperation and the international role of Swiss researchers.

Biotechnology is a key industry in Switzerland, generating a large number of patented inventions. These are often coauthored with colleagues from international organizations and have a global impact. At the same time, an even larger number of biotech patents from around the world is in force in Switzerland. The present analysis provides a snapshot of the statistics for 2023, covering both aspects.

Switzerland’s applied research organizations are trusted partners for national and international R&D projects. Collaborators count on our research excellence, high-quality infrastructure, and young talents. Increasingly, their needs and expectations involve sustainable development. As an association of applied research organizations, Biotechnet Switzerland is actively involved in addressing

Unprecedented recent shortages in generic drugs and fine chemicals are putting lives at risk. It is clear that a comprehensive Europe-wide strategy is needed, encompassing diversified procurement networks, mandatory stockpiles, and collaborative partnerships. Only by working across borders and deploying biotechnological and technological solutions will Europe be able to achieve secure supply chain

Regulation of medicinal products and medical devices is vital to ensure the safety, efficacy and quality of products. Stable and predictable regulations and international collaboration between regulators and biotechnology companies allow breakthrough technologies and therapies to be deployed quickly and effectively, ensuring that patients can access the best possible care. Switzerland is part of t

Global supply networks must be strengthened and made more resilient in order to ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential medicines and everyday goods. Swiss life sciences companies contribute to this on several levels, from investments in R&D to international cooperation and sustainable production for global markets. Improvements in Switzerland’s framework conditions could further support

Switzerland remains a steadfast driver of crucial scientific discoveries which support global healthcare innovation across many therapeutic areas and stages of product development, including diseases which have a major impact in the developing world. For over a decade Switzerland has ranked top in both the Global Innovation Index and INSEAD’s Global Talent Index, but much of its success can be a

Switzerland’s capital-rich investor base, strong financial system and leading industry know-how support the country’s vibrant biotech ecosystem, enabling companies to efficiently raise capital with a view to driving scientific discovery through to market launch. This benefits both local startups and global players in the life sciences sector. New requirements for sustainability reporting and i

From its European headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, BeiGene strategically collaborates with stakeholders worldwide to advance oncology research and development. It is commercially present in 40 countries and runs its clinical trials in over 45 countries.

Switzerland sits in a unique position. No other country possesses its concentration of biopharmaceutical capabilities across the entire value chain, from drug discovery through to commercialization. Its high innovative output and low domestic demand mean that continued success depends on an outlook that embraces international collaboration. Swiss biotechs are therefore the ideal partner, both for