June 2022
Biotechnology sector posts record turnover and R&D investments
In 2021, turnover and spending on research and development (R&D) in the German biotechnology sector soared. With a 279 percent increase in turnover (€26.32 billion) and a 54 percent increase in R&D investments (€3.84 billion), new records were set.
Biotechnology industry regrets WTO decision on patent suspensions
The German biotechnology industry association BIO Deutschland regrets the decision by the WTO to temporarily suspend patent protection for COVID19 vaccines in certain countries. Oliver Schacht, CEO of BIO Deutschland comments, "The suspension of patent protection for COVID19 vaccines will not really bring us any closer to the goal of rapid availability and, more importantly, administration of these vaccines in developing countries.
President of German biotechnology industry association elected chairman of international umbrella organization
At the world's largest biotechnology trade show, the BIO Convention in San Diego, the president of the German biotechnology industry association BIO Deutschland was elected Chairman of the Board of the International Council of Biotechnology Associations (ICBA). Oliver Schacht, who was previously Vice President of ICBA, takes over from Steve Bates of the UK Bioindustry Association for the next two years.