Federal Council plans to boost biomedical research and technology

Bern, 18.12.2013 - The Federal Council intends to create an optimum environment for biomedical research and technology and continue to support this field by introducing a range of measures in the areas of research, market access, reimbursements and intellectual property. In a comprehensive masterplan it sets out which strategies are to be pursued, which measures have already been taken and those being planned. The masterplan has been drawn up in response to three parliamentary requests.

Biomedical research and technology are drivers of economic growth throughout the world. Switzerland enjoys a strong position in this field as a centre of research and technology. Political stability, an attractive fiscal system, flexible labour laws, an efficient system of education and research and a high degree of innovation all contribute to this success. However, the Federal Council believes that international competition will become tougher over the coming ten to fifteen years.

As part of its strategic objectives in the 2011-2015 legislature planning, the Federal Council therefore intends to introduce a series of measures to boost biomedical research and technology. The focus will be on improving the framework for research, market access, reimbursements and intellectual property.

The Federal Council proposes improving the price setting system for medicines by 2015 and setting up a Health Technology Assessment Agency (HTA) by 2017 to evaluate the performance of existing medical services and assess new innovative treatment methods. It also plans to improve methods to protect against counterfeit and illegal medicines by 2016. The Human Research Act, which will come into force at the beginning of 2014, sets a new framework for research on humans and establishes clearer, simplified procedures for approving and conducting research projects. The new law also makes it easier to conduct clinical studies over several locations.

The Federal Council's masterplan to boost biomedical research and technology has been drawn up in response to three requests from the Federal Assembly: "Secure jobs by making Switzerland a global leader in research, development and production of medical products" (11.3923 Mo.), "Revitalise Switzerland as a research and pharmaceuticals centre" (11.3844 Mo.) and "Strengthen Switzerland as a research and pharmaceuticals centre" (11.3910 Mo.).


Address for enquiries

Communication, Federal Office of Public Health: 031 322 95 05 or media@bag.admin.ch



Publisher

The Federal Council
https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html

Federal Office of Public Health
http://www.bag.admin.ch

https://www.admin.ch/content/gov/en/start/dokumentation/medienmitteilungen.msg-id-51455.html