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SWITZERLAND
Pfizer
Global Pharmaceutical Leader Continues
to Focus on Research and Development
Pfizer is the world’s largest research-based biomedical
and pharmaceutical company. Founded in 1849
and now headquartered in New York, Pfizer achieved
overall revenues of €37.3 billion (US$50 billion) * and
spent €5.8 billion (US$7.8 billion) * on research and
development in 2009. The Pfizer group is responsible
for some of the most effective pharmaceutical products
on the market today. Pfizer, which is listed on the New
York, London, Euronext and Swiss stock exchanges,
lives up to its motto, “Working together for a healthier
world.”
Commitment to bringing innovation to
patients
Pfizer’s recent innovations include a novel cancer
medicine that both cuts off the blood supply that feeds
tumors and destroys cellular reproduction, a new prescription
medicine and accompanying support plan
designed specifically to help smokers quit, as well as a
medicine for neuropathic pain and anxiety disorders.
Thanks to its focus on research and development and to
its commitment to long-term strategies, Pfizer continues
to bring innovative medicines onto the market.
More than 150 pharmaceutical products in
Switzerland
In Switzerland, Pfizer offers more than 150 pharmaceutical
products for human beings and animals which play a
key role in the country’s healthcare sector. Pfizer achieved
almost €223 million(CHF320 million) * turnover in 2009
and anticipates a rise to €279 million (CHF400 million) *
in 2010 thanks to its acquisition of Wyeth. The combined
company will create one of the most diversified enterprises
in the global healthcare industry.
Dr. Ralph Studer, Managing Director of Pfizer Switzerland,
explains that at a time when many state healthcare
Dr. Ralph Studer, Managing Director
systems are encouraging people to switch to generic drugs,
there will always be a place for high quality pharmaceuticals
from reliable producers like Pfizer. He says, “The challenge
we have now is to help people focus more on the value of
health instead of the cost of drugs. There is some pressure
on consumers to switch to cheaper drugs, but such drugs
often do not offer the best protection for patients. This is
where we have to start thinking broader to help the Swiss
healthcare system become the best it can be.”
Investing in long-term health
Switzerland already has an impressive record in healthcare,
with an average life expectancy of 73 years of full health.
“Other countries cannot match this. We have to consider
the value of investing in additional healthy years,” Dr.
Ralph Studer says. This is especially true for diseases such
as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease which will triple by
2050 due to demographic changes.
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