Pharmaceutical crisis: Boehringer boss calls for immediate reforms for Germany!

Pharmaceutical crisis: Boehringer boss calls for immediate reforms for Germany!

The new CEO of Boehringer Ingelheim Deutschland GmbH, Médard Schoenmaeckers, is calling for fundamental changes in the German pharmaceutical sector. Since taking office on April 1, 2025, he has clearly advocated accelerated approval procedures for pharmaceutical products. These should be based on the tried and tested models in the USA in order to strengthen Germany's competitiveness in the international context. Schoenmaeckers emphasizes that Germany has decreased in the importance of clinical studies: from a proud second place to currently seventh.

Another concern of the managing director is the introduction of uniform standards for approval procedures across Europe. An example illustrates his concern: A fast-track procedure is used in the USA for a Boehringer preparation for the treatment of lung cancer, while the approval period in Germany is three times as long. Schoenmaeckers sees this discrepancy as one of the reasons for the pressure that Germany as a pharmaceutical location is exposed to from countries such as the USA and China.

Economic challenges and pressure to innovate

In this context, a study by the Family Business Foundation points to the possible negative consequences of a customs conflict with the USA for the German economy, particularly in the pharmaceutical, automotive and mechanical engineering industries. Schoenmaeckers makes it clear that in Germany the economic value of drugs that have a preventive effect must be given greater recognition. In the long term, these could also reduce costs for later treatments.

A significant problem he addresses is the discounts and deductions that pharmaceutical companies in Germany have to grant. The Boehringer manager sees these financial burdens as a hindrance to innovation and progress in the healthcare sector. In particular, the two German Boehringer locations Ingelheim and Biberach are in direct competition with international manufacturing locations, which increases the need to remain competitive.

Clinical studies in Germany

The topic is particularly relevant with regard to the conduct of clinical studies. What is important here is proof of the safety and effectiveness of the products. Issues surrounding approval and monitoring of clinical trials are crucial, especially when a sponsor operates internationally. The question arises as to which laws must be observed for implementation in Germany. This is particularly relevant when American authorities such as the FDA have the opportunity to inspect a German testing center.

Schoenmaeckers emphasizes that investments in Germany are not guaranteed and must always be viewed in a global context. Only through innovative and agile approval procedures can Germany remain competitive internationally and assert itself as an attractive location for pharmaceutical developments.

The importance of these topics is further reinforced by the current discussions about laws and regulations in the area of ​​clinical trials, as discussed above springer.com becomes clear. The industry is therefore faced with the challenge of taking current regulations into account in order to meet the requirements of internationally active companies.

Overall, it is clear that the pharmaceutical sector in Germany needs a fundamental review and adjustment in order to remain competitive in the future. The reality is clear: without changes, there is a risk that Germany will continue to lose its leading role in the pharmaceutical industry.

For more information on Schoenmaeckers' views and the background that influences his comments, see also Borken newspaper.