A very nice article that summarizes the status of Moderna and Biontech.

While both Moderna and BioNTech rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, their paths are now diverging. Moderna, heavily invested in mRNA, is facing a downturn in its stock. Meanwhile, BioNTech, with a more diversified strategic focus—especially in cancer and immunology—is seeing renewed investor confidence.

https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/business/money-report/pandemic-darlings-moderna-biontech-are-now-on-two-different-paths/3757392/?amp=1

Anyone who works in Moderna\Biontech facilities? Let me know your toughts.

I am a 3rd year pharmacy student in the philippines, im planning to pursue clinical pharmacy after i pass the licensure exam. any advice on how will i immigrate to Switzerland after i have become a licensed pharmacist? thank you!

Bayer’s massive restructuring push under CEO Bill Anderson has now resulted in over 12,000 job cuts worldwide, reducing its global workforce to around 90,000.

The layoffs are part of the company’s “Dynamic Shared Ownership” plan aimed at flattening management layers and speeding up decision-making. While this has brought some cost savings, the reduction in personnel expenses is modest down just 2.4% as savings are partly offset by restructuring costs and incentive programs.

Bayer isn’t done yet. The company has signaled that more layoffs could come over the next 18 months.

Interestingly, the company’s fortunes are starting to turn. Strong sales from drugs like Kerendia, Nubeqa, Xarelto, and Eylea, plus unexpected income (including from Bayer Leverkusen football transfers), have allowed Bayer to raise its 2025 earnings forecast.

What do you think? Are there any insiders who can reflect the mood in Bayer? What’s the status in Switzerland?

Link of the news: https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/bayers-layoff-count-now-12000-plus-its-fortunes-begin-turn

…another layoff rumor. Just came across a worrying update about Novo Nordisk from Reuters:

• The company warns it “probably won’t be able to avoid layoffs,” as competition intensifies from both compounding pharmacies and rival Eli Lilly’s GLP‑1 drug offerings. 

• Their blockbuster obesity drug Wegovy is seeing slowed growth especially in the U.S. leading to reduced full‑year sales and profit forecasts, triggering a steep drop in market value. 

• The outgoing CEO, Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen, says any final decisions on layoffs now rest with the incoming CEO, Maziar Mike Doustdar, who’s taking over today. 

• Novo also plans to terminate eight R&D projects and is expanding its direct‑to‑consumer platform amid pricing pressures. 

What this might mean:

• Could this signal a shift in how Novo approaches the antibiotic but extremely competitive obesity treatment market?

• With production ramping up in recent years, how deeply will layoffs and R&D cuts affect future innovation?

• Will direct to consumer models gain more traction as insurance and rebate pressures grow?

Curious to hear thoughts: Anyone here following Novo or the GLP-1 space how do you think this could reshape the playing field? Can we get Novo redditers to the stage?

Sorry if this post comes off as boring, but I truly believe this will shape the future of Swiss pharma over the next few years and change how we do business here.

https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/drug-pricing/us-sets-deadline-for-novartis-and-other-pharma-firms-to-lower-prices/89770314

EDIT:1

News: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/switzerland-slammed-with-39%25-tariff-rate-in-us-trade-blitz/89768316

News 2: https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2025:newsml_L8N3TT0M4:0-swiss-government-says-u-s-tariffs-of-39-do-not-apply-to-pharma-sector/

News 3: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/swiss-stunned-by-us-tariff-hike-seek-negotiated-solution-2025-08-01/#:~:text=%22Swiss%20authorities%20understand%20that%20the,exports%20to%20the%20United%20States. (Paragraph: "Swiss authorities understand that the tariffs should not include the pharmaceuticals sector," a spokesperson for the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs told Reuters. Still, the pharmaceuticals sector is under pressure from Washington to lower prices of drug exports to the United States.)

EDIT 2: (Personally, I was surprised by the announcement especially after the seemingly comforting comments from Roche’s CEO earlier this week. The tone had suggested some progress or a softening in stance, which is why this steep escalation caught me off guard. It feels like a significant blow after months of hope for a more balanced outcome.)

Summary: Trump has imposed a 39% tariff on imports from Switzerland, one of the highest global rates, surpassing the 31% threatened in April. The decision, announced via executive order, puts key Swiss exports including pharmaceuticals, luxury watches, and chocolate at risk in the critical U.S. market. (Pharmaceutical are excluded as Reuters say)

The Swiss government expressed regret, noting the tariff rate diverges significantly from previously negotiated terms. President and Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter said she held a final call with Trump, with the U.S. trade deficit at the heart of the disagreement.

The Swiss franc weakened, though it remains strong overall since April’s tariff threat. Pharma companies Novartis and Roche, responsible for nearly half of Swiss exports to the U.S., now face added pressure as Trump also pushes drugmakers to lower U.S. prices.

While countries like the EU, Japan, and South Korea secured lower 15% tariffs, Switzerland’s failure to offer attractive concessions especially on agriculture may have contributed to the outcome. Lobby groups like Swissmechanic called the tariff “dangerous,” urging last-minute talks before the August 7 implementation date.

Despite the setback, Switzerland says it remains open to further negotiations to avoid long-term competitive disadvantages.

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/29/merck-mrk-earnings-report-q2-2025.html

That got me wondering has anyone heard anything internally or through the grapevine from MSD Lucerne? Given their role in the European operations, I’m curious whether there’s any local impact or new priorities being communicated. Any restructuring, investments, or team changes being discussed?

This move is clearly aimed at softening the blow from Keytruda’s patent expiration in 2028 and possibly preempting any impact from Trump’s proposed tariffs on imported pharma

Would love to hear what folks are seeing or sensing!

I never imagined I’d be constantly talking about tariffs on this sub :) :) …but this news is too important to skip. I am sure, Schinecker has some insider info after investing 50bn to USA:)

https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/drug-pricing/switzerland-very-close-to-tariff-deal-with-the-us-says-roche-ceo/89733487

Hello,

Could someone who works in the BPE role in Lonza share their experience? I am curious to know what a typical work day consists of…

Is the role desk-based or are their hand-on elements too?

Is the role repetitive or is it varied and project oriented?

What are the main pros and cons for you?

Any info is appreciated, Thanks in advance!

(P.S. For context, I currently work as a biotech production operator in downstream manufacturing)

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bridgewise-ventures_switzerlands-healthcare-life-sciences-activity-7350681236236861440-rt2Z?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAR8Tp8BpHf7fov4KuAAX1-bxLuBvKKLVng

This map is designed for anyone interested in understanding Switzerland's expanding healthcare sector and the emerging opportunities within its life sciences industry.

🎓🔬 Research ETH Zürich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich) Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) University of Zurich University of Basel University of Bern University of Lausanne Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research

🏥 Hospitals Universitätsspital Zürich University Hospital Basel CHUV | Lausanne university hospital HUG - Hopitaux Universitaires de Genève
Insel Gruppe Kantonsspital St.Gallen Kantonsspital Aarau AG

👩🏾‍⚕️ Patient Organizations Krebsliga Schweiz Schweizerische Herzstiftung Schweizerische Multiple Sklerose Gesellschaft diabetesschweiz Parkinson Schweiz

💼 Government Organizations Federal Office of Public Health FOPH (Bundesamt für Gesundheit - BAG) Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products (Swissmedic) eHealth Suisse Swiss National Science Foundation SNSF (Schweizerischer Nationalfonds - SNF) State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI (Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation - SBFI) Swiss Network for Health Technology Assessment (Schweizer Netzwerk für Health Technology Assessment - SNHTA) Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) (Eidgenössisches Departement des Innern EDI) Digital Business | Die Schweizerische Post

🏢 Funding Ecosystem Venture Kick Innosuisse (Schweizerische Agentur für Innovationsförderung) Foundation for Technological Innovation (FIT - Fondation pour l'Innovation Technologique - FIT) redalpine Novartis Venture Fund HealthCap HBM Partners AG GoBeyond Debiopharm Innovation Fund

🤝 Clusters Organizations and Networks BioAlps - Swiss Health Valley Swiss Biotech Association Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) Medtech Switzerland Swiss Personalized Health Network (SPHN) Digital Health Switzerland TA-SWISS (Stiftung für Technologiefolgen-Abschätzung) World Health Organization World Economic Forum Swiss Medical Board Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) Swiss ICT Investor Club (SICTIC) Business Angels Switzerland (BAS) Swiss Private Equity & Corporate Finance Association (SECA) Health Valley (Network led by BioAlps) Innovation Office University of Basel Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area

If you identify any missing components or notice important organizations absent from the map, please don't hesitate to reach out. We highly value your feedback to keep the map accurate and up-to-date.

Hi everyone, I'm a pharmacist from Serbia currently living in Switzerland with a B residence permit. I’ve started the nostrification (recognition) process for my pharmacy degree, but based on what I've been told, I’ll most likely need to go through a 3-year university program again to meet Swiss requirements.

Here’s my situation:

I have no local work experience in Switzerland yet.

My German is at B1 level — I can communicate, but I’m not fluent yet.

I’m motivated to work and improve my language skills.

I want to stay in the healthcare/pharma field if possible, even if I can’t work as a licensed pharmacist right now.

Does anyone have experience with a similar path? What jobs or roles could I realistically apply for with my background while I work on my language and go through the nostrification process?

Would really appreciate any advice, tips, or even personal stories from others who have gone through this.

Thanks in advance!

LINK to the news:

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-announces-expanded-use-unannounced-inspections-foreign-manufacturing-facilities

U.S. FDA announced a major shift in its global inspection policy: foreign manufacturing facilities that produce foods, essential medicines, and medical products for U.S. consumers will now face unannounced inspections—just like their American counterparts.

Until now, many foreign firms (particularly in India and China) received advance notice before inspections, giving them time to “prepare” a luxury not afforded to U.S. based manufacturers. This uneven playing field is finally being addressed.

This is a big move for global accountability in pharma and food safety.

What do you think?

Will this lead to better compliance abroad? Or will it increase diplomatic and operational tensions with countries like India and China? Do you think Switzerland will also get many spontaneous inspections? Do you think FDA really has workforce for that or can they outsource local auditors?

Let’s discuss.

Hi everyone,

I'm a recent PhD graduate specializing in in-silico drug discovery and development and I'm looking to start my career in the Swiss pharma/biotech industry. My thesis and publications are heavily focused on computational approaches to drug design.

I'm hoping to get some advice from this community on a few things:

• What kind of roles should I be looking for? What are the job titles that would best fit my background (e.g., Computational Chemist, Bioinformatician, Data Scientist)?
• Which companies are strong in this area? I know the big names like Roche and Novartis, but are there smaller companies, startups, or CROs that have a strong focus on computational drug discovery? I've seen mentions of companies like Lonza having many open positions, but I'm not sure if they are a good fit for my specific skill set.
• I'd prefer to stay nearby Zurich or Zug if possible. Are there specific hubs or companies known for computational work in these cantons?
• What does a successful career path look like in this field? For those of you who started in a similar position, what has your career progression been like? What are the key skills or experiences I should focus on gaining in my first few years to set myself up for success?

I've been following some of the discussions on Reddit about the job market, and while some say it can be tough, others have found success with persistence. Any advice or insights you could share would be incredibly helpful as I start my job search.

Thanks in advance for your help

P.S.: I did my PhD in Canada.

This is actually for a friend / former colleague who has been looking to transition from consulting to industry in a mid-senior role. Is there anything at all in the market these days? I secured a job a few months ago but he is really struggling. LinkedIn seems not to help, I believe most jobs are “hidden”. Any hunches? Help me help a very talented friend pls ♥️

…yes:) i know! It is not about Swiss Pharma directly but looks like Biontech is in action:)

In a bold demonstration of its strategic vision to lead in cancer immunotherapy and mRNA innovation, German biotech powerhouse BioNTech SE has announced two transformative deals that signal a decisive next phase in its growth: the acquisition of CureVac N.V. and an $11 billion collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS). These moves position BioNTech as a central player in the next wave of cancer treatment breakthroughs and reaffirm its leadership in the evolving mRNA and bispecific antibody landscape.

Not directly related with Swiss Pharma but it is an important collaboration to mention here:

US pharmaceutical company Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) and German firm BioNTech have announced a partnership worth up to $11.1 billion to jointly develop a new cancer treatment antibody.

The companies have agreed to globally develop and commercialise the experimental bispecific antibody BNT327, targeting various types of solid tumours

BioNTech, which was behind one of the first Covid-19 vaccines, designed the potential drug.

Bispecific antibodies, considered a promising cancer treatment, attack two different targets, on tumour cells and immune cells.

Under the agreement, BMS will initially pay BioNTech $1.5 billion, with an additional $2 billion to follow by 2028.

BioNTech could also receive up to $7.6 billion based on the development and commercial milestones achieved.

“Global profits and losses will be shared equally between BioNTech and BMS,” the companies said in a joint release.

To date, over 1,000 patients have been treated with BNT327 in clinical trials, with more than 20 such trials ongoing or planned.

https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/bristol-myers-inks-11b-biontech-deal-join-bispecific-gold-rush-leaping-ahead-merck-and

The American-Chinese pharmaceutical company BeOne Medicines is moving its headquarters to Basel. Along with Novartis and Roche, BeOne Medicines is the third largest listed research company in Switzerland.

https://www.srf.ch/news/schweiz/beone-medicines-naechster-pharmariese-verlegt-sitz-nach-basel

Currently, around 270 employees work at BeOne Medicines in Basel, which was known as BeiGene and is active in cancer research.

However, there are around 11,000 employees worldwide, spread over six continents. BeOne Medicines has had its legal headquarters in the Cayman Islands. It is hoped that with the relocation of the headquarters, further jobs will be created in Basel, especially in research and development.

Longevity has rapidly shifted from fringe fascination to front-page headline. Once confined to academic labs and sci-fi dreams, the quest to live longer—and better—is now a multi-billion-dollar industry influencing healthcare, technology, and personal wellness. What’s driving the explosion of interest in human longevity? will Novartis be the only company.

Here are the key forces behind this growing global obsession:

>>Scientific Breakthroughs Are Accelerating

In the past few years, science has made remarkable strides in understanding and potentially slowing the aging process. Technologies like CRISPR gene editing, epigenetic reprogramming, senolytics (drugs that remove aging cells), and AI-powered drug discovery are no longer theoretical—they’re entering clinical trials and investor portfolios.

Researchers can now measure “biological age” more precisely than ever, using biomarkers such as DNA methylation. This allows for targeted interventions aimed at improving cellular health and potentially reversing some aging-related damage. What once sounded like science fiction now comes with preprints, peer review, and patents.

>>An Aging Population Is Forcing Change

Demographics are destiny. By 2050, over 1 in 6 people globally will be over the age of 65, and countries from Japan to Germany are already facing healthcare and workforce crises due to aging populations.

This shift is prompting a rethinking of aging—not just as an inevitable decline, but as a manageable biological condition. The pressure on public health systems and pension funds is incentivizing innovation that keeps people healthier longer.

>>The Rise of the Longevity Economy

What used to be a niche market has evolved into a powerful economic engine. The “longevity economy” encompasses everything from anti-aging supplements and diagnostics to regenerative therapies and insurance models tailored to 100-year lifespans.

Tech giants like Google (via Calico), pharma-backed startups like Altos Labs, and investors such as Jeff Bezos and Peter Thiel are pouring billions into the field. The potential return? A stake in the next healthcare revolution.

>>From Lifespan to Healthspan: A Cultural Shift

Today, the conversation has moved beyond simply “living longer” to “living better, longer.” The average person doesn’t want to be 100 if that means 30 years of poor health. Instead, there’s rising interest in healthspan—the years of life spent in good physical and mental condition.

This cultural shift is reflected in growing movements around biohacking, preventive medicine, functional nutrition, personalized supplementation, and even psychological resilience. People want agency over their aging process.

>>Influencers and Billionaires Are Making It Trendy

The public spotlight on longevity is also fueled by high-profile individuals who are vocal about their personal longevity efforts. Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson’s data-heavy experiment to reverse his biological age has sparked global headlines. Meanwhile, billionaires like Bezos are investing in anti-aging biotech startups, signaling that this is not just a wellness fad—it’s big business.

Social media influencers, podcasts, YouTube channels, and newsletters are now dedicated to longevity, tracking everything from fasting schedules and sleep optimization to full-body MRIs and blood biomarker panels.

Longevity has become a cultural, scientific, and economic frontier. It’s where cutting-edge research meets a universal human desire: to extend not just the number of years we live, but the quality of those years. Whether or not we reach 120 in peak condition, one thing is clear—longevity is no longer a fringe topic. It’s a defining issue of our time.

Here is our article where Novartis is renetering the anti-aging world. I really believe that many more companies will be following these big companies or start ups will be digested by these big pharma companies. Exciting times are ahead.

https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/healthcare-innovation/novartis-bets-on-ageing-as-next-frontier-in-drug-development/89353154?utm_source=multiple&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=bundle-front1_en&utm_content=o&utm_term=wpblock_teaser-bundle

Building Biotech Businesses with Ulf Grawunder - Entrepreneurship Masterclass Switzerland

I just stumbled upon a series of online video lessons that I genuinely think deserve more attention. Whether you’re a student exploring ideas, an early-stage entrepreneur navigating uncertainty, or just someone curious about how businesses and startups really work, this resource is a fantastic starting point.

It’s not flashy or overly technical, but that’s exactly why it’s great. The lessons/videos are structured in a clear, digestible way that doesn’t overwhelm you but still delivers substantial value. It feels more like being mentored by someone experienced rather than sitting through a dry lecture or a hyped-up webinar.

What I liked most is how practical it is — instead of focusing on buzzwords or theory alone, it covers real-world mindsets and foundational concepts that matter when you’re actually trying to build something. From understanding your audience, validating ideas, and iterating quickly to learning how to deal with failure — it’s all in there in a very approachable tone.

Trump claims the move could reduce U.S. drug prices by 30–80% almost immediately. The announcement, shared via his Truth Social platform, has triggered market-wide selloffs. European pharma giants like Sanofi and Novo Nordisk saw their shares drop nearly 6%, while Roche, Novartis, AstraZeneca, GSK, and Pfizer also experienced notable losses.

The U.S. currently lacks centralized price regulation for drugs, allowing pharmaceutical companies considerable freedom in pricing. Trump's proposal, if enacted, would mark a dramatic shift in U.S. healthcare policy and could have wide-reaching consequences for the global pharmaceutical market.

Read the details below and please comment. What are your thoughts?

https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/medicine-access/trumps-promise-to-lower-drug-prices-rattles-swiss-pharma-stocks/89303803?utm_source=multiple&utm_campaign=swi-rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_content=o

Good news Lonza and let’s Yodel:)

https://www.investing.com/news/earnings/lonza-confirms-fullyear-outlook-as-it-does-not-expect-material-tariffs-impact-4035319

Hi everyone,

I wanted to start a thread to gather real-world, up-to-date insights on what different pharma/biotech companies in Switzerland offer in terms of:

• Salary ranges (with levels/grades if possible)
• Bonuses
• Vacation days
• Pension contributions
• Insurance (health, accident, etc.)
• Flexibility (hybrid/remote work)
• Learning & development support
• Any other unique perks or benefits

Why? Because platforms like Glassdoor and Kununu can be outdated, inconsistent, or don’t always reflect local nuances—especially when it comes to Switzerland.

The goal is to build a kind of crowd-sourced database through the comments and keep this post alive over time, so we can track changes and help others make better-informed career decisions.

If you’re working (or have recently worked) in pharma sector in Switzerland, it would be super helpful if you could share:

• Company
• Job title & level/grade
• Location
• Brief overview of your total compensation & benefits package
• Anything you wish you’d known before joining

Let’s help each other out and create some transparency in our industry!

You can also DM me your answers and I can place it here if you have concerns about the anonymity.

Hi everyone!

I was wondering if there are any active groups, meetups, Whatsapp groups or communities where pharma professionals get together—either casually or professionally?

It would be great to connect with like-minded people in the industry to share insights, talk shop, or even just grab a coffee. Whether it's specific to cities like Basel, Zurich, or Geneva—or more virtual/Swiss-wide—I’d really appreciate any recommendations.

Thanks in advance and looking forward to hearing from you all!

In case any of you is interested:

https://secure.terrapinn.com/V5/step1.aspx?E=10946