Health Economy

We examine the impact of major global companies in Switzerland and internationally, with a primary focus on key Swiss industries: pharma, healthcare, food, and agribusiness.

Explainer: why Roche’s supercomputer is a big deal

A supercomputer is being powered on during a photo op.

This content was published on Mar 26, 2026 Pharma companies are racing to acquire microchips and achieve the most powerful AI capacity in the industry. But drug development is tricky and AI talents scarce.

Medicine access

Explainer: why Roche’s supercomputer is a big deal

U.S. prices for these drugs have plummeted in recent months, thanks in part to Trump’s deals with the manufacturers.

Trump promised the ‘world’s lowest’ drug prices. We checked the numbers.

This content was published on Mar 20, 2026 The TrumpRx website claims to offer the best prices for medications. Here’s where Americans still pay more — and much more.

Drugmakers reassess Europe as Trump overhauls drug-pricing rules

This content was published on Mar 20, 2026 President Trump’s drug-pricing overhaul has triggered an earthquake in Europe as drugmakers scramble to protect their bottom lines.

Switzerland’s bitter-sweet news for Alzheimer’s patients

This content was published on Feb 27, 2026 Swissmedic was expected to approve two drugs for Alzheimer‘s disease. But it only approved one. What happened?

The banking sector has been particularly affected by redundancies.

Why unemployment in Switzerland is increasing more than elsewhere in Europe

This content was published on Feb 24, 2026 The number of people in Switzerland who are out of work increased for the second year in a row. This contrasts with the situation in the European Union.

Trump in White House. Pharma leaders behind him.

The art of the deal: what are Trump’s pharma announcements really worth?

This content was published on Feb 18, 2026 Big Pharma announced a series of groundbreaking agreements with the White House in 2025. But how much of it is just for show?

Photo of a woman talking in front of Bern's Inselspital

Could a Danish‑style sperm donor scandal happen in Switzerland?

This content was published on Feb 16, 2026 A sperm donor in Denmark carrying a cancer‑causing gene had almost 200 children… Could something like that happen in Switzerland?

Science podcast: the secrets to longevity

This content was published on Feb 13, 2026 In episode 6 of this season’s Swiss Connection science podcast, we look at the role of relationships and perceptions in longevity.

Swiss pharma’s global success meets worries at home

This content was published on Feb 13, 2026 Switzerland’s two biggest pharmaceutical companies are doing well. Why is the country so worried?

When sperm crosses borders, national safeguards fall short

This content was published on Feb 13, 2026 The sperm of a Danish donor carried a cancer-causing genetic mutation that led to the deaths of children. Switzerland’s strict regulations make scenarios of this scale unlikely.

Science podcast: the story behind the ‘longevity pill’ rapamycin

This content was published on Feb 6, 2026 In episode 5 of this season’s Swiss Connection science podcast, we talk about the discovery of TOR and its potential for longevity.

Going global: Weleda’s new CEO wants to put the cosmetics company on the map

This content was published on Jan 31, 2026 Weleda CEO Tina Müller talks about the quiet revolution she initiated at the Swiss cosmetics and healthcare company.

Healthcare innovation

Explainer: why Roche’s supercomputer is a big deal

Drugmakers reassess Europe as Trump overhauls drug-pricing rules

This content was published on Mar 20, 2026 President Trump’s drug-pricing overhaul has triggered an earthquake in Europe as drugmakers scramble to protect their bottom lines.

Switzerland’s bitter-sweet news for Alzheimer’s patients

This content was published on Feb 27, 2026 Swissmedic was expected to approve two drugs for Alzheimer‘s disease. But it only approved one. What happened?

Detail view of a thousand Swiss franc note

Switzerland no longer wants to foot the bill for ‘suicide tourism’

This content was published on Feb 21, 2026 In Switzerland, all deaths through assisted suicide must be followed by a medical and legal investigation. This entails considerable costs for the state.

Science podcast: the secrets to longevity

This content was published on Feb 13, 2026 In episode 6 of this season’s Swiss Connection science podcast, we look at the role of relationships and perceptions in longevity.

Swiss pharma’s global success meets worries at home

This content was published on Feb 13, 2026 Switzerland’s two biggest pharmaceutical companies are doing well. Why is the country so worried?

Science podcast: the story behind the ‘longevity pill’ rapamycin

This content was published on Feb 6, 2026 In episode 5 of this season’s Swiss Connection science podcast, we talk about the discovery of TOR and its potential for longevity.

Going global: Weleda’s new CEO wants to put the cosmetics company on the map

This content was published on Jan 31, 2026 Weleda CEO Tina Müller talks about the quiet revolution she initiated at the Swiss cosmetics and healthcare company.

How AI is used in diagnostics

This content was published on Jan 30, 2026 Medical experts now use artificial intelligence to help them diagnose and monitor diseases. But does this mean AI will replace doctors?

From London to Lausanne: how Isomorphic Labs is rewriting drug discovery

This content was published on Jan 30, 2026 Google DeepMind spin-off Isomorphic Labs is expanding in Switzerland to achieve its ambitious goal to “solve all diseases” with AI.

Science podcast: the AI revolution in drug development

This content was published on Jan 30, 2026 In episode 4 of the Swiss Connection Science podcast we explore the role of AI in drug development.

Science podcast: Can gender diversity create better medicine?

This content was published on Jan 23, 2026 In episode 3 of this season’s Swiss Connection science podcast we look at the role of sex and gender in drug development.

Agribusiness

Dutch cities are banning meat advertising – will Switzerland follow?

This content was published on Mar 17, 2026 Amsterdam will become the first capital city to introduce a ban on advertising meat products to address climate change. It will be more difficult to implement such a policy in Switzerland.

Baby formula recall in Switzerland: why the delay?

This content was published on Mar 17, 2026 Several infant formula brands have recalled batches since January over traces of a potentially dangerous toxin, raising fresh questions about inspection standards.

Would a meat advertising ban cut emissions?

Livestock production accounts for about 12% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This is why Amsterdam is banning meat advertising from May 1, 2026. What are your thoughts on this approach, and should similar measures be considered in other countries?

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Mar 17, 2026

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Science podcast: Switzerland’s stubborn food waste problem

This content was published on Mar 13, 2026 Discover how household habits influence Swiss food waste and the steps needed to tackle this issue effectively.

Syngenta CEO: ‘No formal decision has been made on a potential IPO’

This content was published on Feb 28, 2026 Jeff Rowe, CEO of the Syngenta Group, headquartered in Switzerland, explains why being Chinese-owned is good for the company.

Does infant formula have too many ingredients?

This content was published on Feb 26, 2026 Several European countries, including in Switzerland, have reported illnesses that may be linked to toxic contamination in infant formula.

There have been reports of hospitalisation of infants who were fed the recalled formula in France and Spain.

Infant formula recall: Is trying to copy breastmilk increasing risk of contamination?

This content was published on Feb 25, 2026 A contaminated additive found naturally in breastmilk is responsible for the recent recall of infant formula worldwide.

a soy field stands next to a fragment of the Amazon forest at the region of Cipoal in Santarem, Para state, Brazil.

Sustainable soy: when collaborating to protect the Amazon backfires

This content was published on Feb 12, 2026 Commodity firms working together to source deforestation-free soy in Brazil are being investigated under anti-cartel laws. They also risk losing tax benefits due to pressure from powerful farming lobbies.

Opinion

Governments and industry must work across the cocoa and gold sector to address child labour

This content was published on Feb 12, 2026 Eliminating child labour in one sector risks merely displacing it into another unless complex social and economic systems are addressed comprehensively.

When Swiss food start-ups fail

This content was published on Feb 11, 2026 Switzerland promotes itself as a global hub for food technology and innovation, but it is not always easy for start-ups to gain a foothold.

Nestlé chief blames Trump for company going quiet on sustainability

This content was published on Jan 22, 2026 Philipp Navratil tells staff that ESG has ‘gone off the agenda’ for US investors since president’s re-election.

Trade tariffs will weigh on growth in 2026.

What lies ahead for Switzerland: an economic outlook for 2026

This content was published on Dec 30, 2025 in 2026, the Swiss economy will face downward pressure from weaker domestic demand and ongoing uncertainty related to US import tariffs.

Health Economy

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Explainer: why Roche’s supercomputer is a big deal

More

Explainer: why Roche’s supercomputer is a big deal

More

Trump promised the ‘world’s lowest’ drug prices. We checked the numbers.

More

Drugmakers reassess Europe as Trump overhauls drug-pricing rules

More

Switzerland’s bitter-sweet news for Alzheimer’s patients

More

Why unemployment in Switzerland is increasing more than elsewhere in Europe

More

The art of the deal: what are Trump’s pharma announcements really worth?

More

Could a Danish‑style sperm donor scandal happen in Switzerland?

More

Science podcast: the secrets to longevity

More

Swiss pharma’s global success meets worries at home

More

When sperm crosses borders, national safeguards fall short

More

Science podcast: the story behind the ‘longevity pill’ rapamycin

More

Going global: Weleda’s new CEO wants to put the cosmetics company on the map

More

Explainer: why Roche’s supercomputer is a big deal

More

Drugmakers reassess Europe as Trump overhauls drug-pricing rules

More

Switzerland’s bitter-sweet news for Alzheimer’s patients

More

Switzerland no longer wants to foot the bill for ‘suicide tourism’

More

Science podcast: the secrets to longevity

More

Swiss pharma’s global success meets worries at home

More

Science podcast: the story behind the ‘longevity pill’ rapamycin

More

Going global: Weleda’s new CEO wants to put the cosmetics company on the map

More

How AI is used in diagnostics

More

From London to Lausanne: how Isomorphic Labs is rewriting drug discovery

More

Science podcast: the AI revolution in drug development

More

Science podcast: Can gender diversity create better medicine?

More

Dutch cities are banning meat advertising – will Switzerland follow?

More

Baby formula recall in Switzerland: why the delay?

More

Would a meat advertising ban cut emissions?

More

Science podcast: Switzerland’s stubborn food waste problem

More

Syngenta CEO: ‘No formal decision has been made on a potential IPO’

More

Does infant formula have too many ingredients?

More

Infant formula recall: Is trying to copy breastmilk increasing risk of contamination?

More

Sustainable soy: when collaborating to protect the Amazon backfires

More

Governments and industry must work across the cocoa and gold sector to address child labour

More

When Swiss food start-ups fail

More

Nestlé chief blames Trump for company going quiet on sustainability

More

What lies ahead for Switzerland: an economic outlook for 2026

Community corner: latest debates and surveys

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The history of Swiss pharma

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