Download Switzerland Report - The European Times
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Canton of Zurich<br />
Pfizer <strong>Switzerland</strong> is based in the<br />
canton of Zurich, unlike many global<br />
pharmaceutical enterprises which<br />
chose Basel as their base in <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
Explaining why Pfizer picked<br />
Zurich, Dr. Ralph Studer says, “Zurich<br />
is one of the world’s cities with the<br />
highest quality of life. With our<br />
<strong>European</strong> headquarter for the “Established<br />
Products”-part of the business<br />
located in Zurich, we profit from a<br />
high-level infrastructure, including<br />
close proximity to the airport<br />
(approximately 10 minutes) and<br />
many competitive advantages. Zurich<br />
is an exceptionally friendly environment<br />
for global companies. We have<br />
political stability here, with incredibly<br />
favorable working conditions. <strong>The</strong>re<br />
are many positive points.”<br />
Support for local initiatives<br />
Pfizer <strong>Switzerland</strong> has formed a<br />
number of local alliances, including<br />
with the University of Zurich and its<br />
Pfizer research foundation has made<br />
major investments in local life sciences<br />
initiatives. “We have invested €3.3<br />
million (CHF4.75 million) * in award<br />
money for research achievements to<br />
date. We grant an annual award of<br />
€20,920 (CHF30,000) * up to €83,682<br />
(CHF120,000) * distributed to local<br />
scientists who are particularly innovative<br />
in their respective fields,” Dr.<br />
Ralph Studer points out. Pfizer <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
also supports the Swiss Heart<br />
Foundation.<br />
Partnering in research efforts<br />
Pfizer, both in <strong>Switzerland</strong> and<br />
worldwide, will continue to focus on<br />
research and development, both on<br />
its own and in partnership with other<br />
companies. Dr. Ralph Studer explains,<br />
“We build business development partnerships<br />
with other organisations<br />
to find innovative technologies and<br />
common ways of working together<br />
*<br />
Exchange rate by April, 2010: 1e=1.434 CHF; 1e=1.340 US$<br />
and furthering research in all areas of<br />
life sciences.”<br />
Dr. Ralph Studer is very positive<br />
about Pfizer’s future. He notes that<br />
the company, both in <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
and worldwide, works closely with<br />
local authorities and has developed<br />
long-term strategies which continue<br />
to focus on innovation. He says,<br />
“We are committed to growth, and<br />
we are prepared for the future. In<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> we have one of the best<br />
healthcare systems, due to the development<br />
of drugs and innovation in<br />
the pharmaceutical industry, and<br />
also because of our significant investment<br />
in research and development of<br />
approximately €5.8 billion (US$7.8<br />
billion) * worldwide. This will allow us<br />
to continue to adapt to the industry’s<br />
ever evolving market.”<br />
Concerning the particular role Pfizer<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> will play in the coming<br />
years, Dr. Ralph Studer says, “Pfizer<br />
Pfizer Building © Eduard Hueber/archphoto.com<br />
has the commitment to put the<br />
patient and the customer in the centre<br />
of everything we do and to leverage<br />
on the knowledge and the synergies<br />
of all countries across Europe. We<br />
try to contribute with positive signals<br />
from <strong>Switzerland</strong> throughout the<br />
region. We believe in working with<br />
other leading sectors and institutions,<br />
because we know only by doing this we<br />
can truly prosper in the international<br />
community.”<br />
Pfizer AG<br />
Schärenmoosstrasse 99<br />
CH-8052 Zürich<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
Tel. +41 (0)43 495 71 11<br />
Fax: +41 (0)43 495 72 80<br />
info.ch@pfizer.com<br />
www.pfizer.ch, www.pfizer.com<br />
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