Interpharma: ‘global patient supply at risk’
Keystone-SDA
United States tariffs on medicines have threatened global drug supply chains, says an association representing Swiss pharmaceutical companies.
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Customs barriers disrupt production and supply chains and hinder research and development, Interpharma told AWP. They also threaten to permanently damage the close and important economic cooperation between Switzerland and the US.
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The association hopes bilateral talks can continue to either reduce or exempt tariffs on drugs.
However, the announcement is a “wake-up call”, says Interpharma. Trump’s plan hits Switzerland’s most important export sector, which is crucial not only for prosperity, but also for tax revenues and research. In 2024 alone, the branch exported medicines worth more than CHF100 billion.
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The association urged Swiss politicians to quickly send visible signals to ensure international competitiveness. These include the suspension of new regulatory projects and the modernisation of the pricing mechanism for innovative therapies.
In the medium term, a comprehensive life sciences strategy is also deemed necessary, to be developed jointly by the federal administration, politics and industry. Without a clear focus on the role of the pharmaceutical industry in the economy and healthcare, the existing obstacles will remain.
“Continuing as before is not an option,” said Interpharma. Only with constructive solutions is it possible to maintain the pharmaceutical industry as an engine of growth, the association concludes.
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Switzerland braces for 100% US medicine tariff
Translated from Italian with DeepL/mga
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