It launched an “affordable drugs” campaignExternal link to pressure the Swiss Federal Council to introduce compulsory licencing, an instrument which allows cheaper generic medications to be introduced to the market despite the existence of a patent.
Public Eye argues the Swiss government has for too long put the interest of the pharmaceutical industry before the needs of the patients both in Switzerland and abroad.
It accused the authorities of being influenced by the “aggressive lobbying carried out by large Basel-based companies,” which are responsible for sky-rocketing prices.
Introducing compulsory licensing in Switzerland would make the Swiss healthcare system more sustainable, “send a strong signal to the international community and allow access to essential drugs for millions of people”, Public Eye wrote.
The appeal is backed by the Swiss Cancer League, numerous experts in the field and well-known Swiss politicians, such as former Federal Councillor Ruth Dreifuss.
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Wanted: Pharma super cops
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Have experience in tackling cybercrime, extremism, extortion, blackmail and bribery? If yes, the Swiss pharma industry might want to hear from you.
Four arrested in Switzerland in human-trafficking raid
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Law enforcement authorities in Switzerland and Romania have busted a human trafficking ring. They arrested a total of 17 suspects.
OECD significantly lowers Swiss GDP forecast due to Trump
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The Swiss economy is likely to grow more slowly in 2025 and 2026 than previously assumed, according to the OECD economic organisation.
UBS economists more confident about Swiss economy in 2025
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UBS economists have revised upwards their estimates of Swiss GDP growth for the current year. However, they are more pessimistic for next year, due to the spectre of US tariffs.
Swiss parliamentary committees approve negotiating mandate with US
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Following the House of Representatives' Foreign Affairs Committee, the Senate's sister committee is also in favour of the government's negotiating mandate on trade relations with the US.
Situation in Blatten stable but steady rockfall continues
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The situation in the landslide area of Blatten in southwestern Switzerland remained stable during Monday night. On the Kleine Nesthorn, however, smaller rockfalls continue to occur.
Kirchner painting on show again in Basel after more than 100 years
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The painting "Dance in a Variety Theatre" by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner was thought to be lost for decades. Now it is on public display at the Kunstmuseum Basel for the first time in over 100 years.
Influential Swiss politician Vreni Spoerry dies aged 87
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Zurich politician Vreni Spoerry died on Thursday at the age of 87. She was extremely influential in federal financial policy for 20 years as a member of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Blatten: top Swiss politician appeals for solidarity with landslide victims
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Maja Riniker, president of the House of Representatives, called on Switzerland to show solidarity with those people who have lost everything.
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Swiss pharma suspected of delaying generic competition
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The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists Novartis and Roche among drug-makers suspected of hindering generic competition.
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Each year, some half a million people die of malaria, many of them children. Switzerland is a world leader in research to combat the disease.
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Links between parliamentarians in Bern and lobby groups have grown by 20% between 2007 and 2015, according to a new study.
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.