Narasimhan embraces Swiss biotech industry

In his talk Narasimhan reminded the audience on the work of Carl June whom he named as the pioneer who laid the foundations of Novartis’ groundbreaking CAR-T cell therapy Kymriah. Work at the Swiss pharma on this therapy began back in 2012. Looking back, the CEO of Novartis  called Kymriah “a success story and a story of courage“. Narasimhan said: “We had to re-think how we work as we we’re developing an entirely new paradigm. Taking a patient’s cells, reprogramming them, and giving them back – this was something totally new.“ 

Narasimhan also said he wants to keep Novartis an agile company adaptible to rapidly changing conditions. He announced his intention to increase the fraction of externally develoed pipeline programmes. “We have been trying to be better at enabling external innovation for a couple of years and we’re going to improve this further.“ 

This year’s Swiss Biotech Day took place on 3 May 2018 at Congress Center Basel. With more than 600 senior executives from the Swiss life science industry and from across Europe the annually held was as popular as never before in its 11-year history. (Click here for a selection of pictures from the event.) The programme in the afternoon included a session on fostering closer cooperations between Swiss and UK life sciences companies and investors. Moreover, a discussion about financing biotech projects and companies in an extraordinary scattered-around-the-hall setting was well-received, as were the three hours packed with presentations of more than a dozen young companies and start-ups.

The biotechnology sector in Switzerland is growing more strongly than it has done for years. According to the new Swiss Biotech Report published at the event, in 2017 the 237 biotech companies and 60 suppliers of the industry employed more than 13,700 staff (+2.5%) and posted a turnover of CHF3,79bn (+14%). Compared to the previous year, capital investment in private and listed Swiss biotech companies doubled from CHF0.8bn to CHF1.64 billion – the highest figure since the report was first published. In addition, investment in research and development increased by more than 22% to CHF1.39bn. The value of pharmaceutical and biotechnology product exports in 2017 was CHF83.8bn, which is about 38% of the total Swiss export volume.  

In the evening, on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, the Swiss Biotech Association launched a new format honouring past achievements. Regarded as veritable “Swiss Biotech Success Stories”, the first recognitions went to Biogen, Glycart, Okairos, Selexis and Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma. An independent jury of experts had selected the laureates based on their achievements and sustainable contributions to Switzerland and its biotech industry. In the future, more Swiss Biotech Success Stories will be added to encompass all of the industry’s different facets. The celebration in Basel came along with live music and bites from molecular gastronomy. “Biotech is one of the most innovative sectors in Switzerland. The industry represents an unparalleled success story, attracting talents and investments from all around the globe”, said Michael Altorfer, Chief Executive Officer of the Swiss Biotech Association. “With Swiss Biotech Success Stories we are honouring our pioneers, entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders – all those extraordinary people who lead the way, open the horizon and prepare the ground for lasting achievements.”