Economy

Why drugs are becoming more expensive to develop

The average cost of developing a new drug, from discovery to launch, reached $2.23 billion in 2024 for the world's 20 biggest biopharma companies – a 65% jump from 2014.

This content was published on Aug 18, 2026 Drug development has always been expensive and risky, but now it’s measurably more so than a decade ago. Here are three reasons why.

Sandoz is expanding its generic medicines business

Pharma supply chains

Sandoz expands biosimilars business with Chinese biotech deal

This content was published on Aug 17, 2026 Sandoz has signed a multi-million-dollar agreement with Chinese biotech company Shanghai Henlius Biotech, stepping up its expansion in biosimilars, the generic versions of complex biological medicines.

Drug pricing

Swiss pharma group warns access to new medicine is worsening

This content was published on Aug 13, 2026 Swiss pharma companies warn current pricing rules delay access to new medicines.

According to the Basel authorities, the Legionella outbreak has come to an end

Health systems

Basel authorities say Legionella outbreak is over

This content was published on Aug 13, 2026 Basel says its Legionella outbreak is over after tracing cases to Manor cooling towers.

Health systems

Federal audit finds Swiss hospitals fail to pass on discounts to patients

This content was published on Aug 13, 2026 A federal audit has found that doctors’ practices, hospitals and pharmacies don't always pass on discounts on medicines to patients.

A farmer spreads cocoa beans in a thin, even layer to dry at a plantation in Agboville, Agneby Tiassa region, on December 4, 2025. After soaring for two years, cocoa prices have largely fallen back this year, but without any impact on chocolate prices.

Agribusiness

With West Africa cocoa under strain, can Brazil supply more to Switzerland?

This content was published on Aug 12, 2026 Brazil wants to position itself as a major cocoa producer and supply more beans to Switzerland in the process. But it’s a crowded market.

Healthcare innovation

Swiss pharma companies flock to North Carolina

This content was published on Aug 11, 2026 Swiss pharma firms are boosting investment in North Carolina as tariffs and tax breaks reshape production plans.

Healthcare innovation

Basel’s world-beating pharma hub fights for place in new global order

This content was published on Aug 11, 2026 AI, geopolitics, and new competitors are forcing Basel to fight harder for its place as a leading pharmaceutical hub.

Health systems

Legionella outbreak in Basel: 26 cases and one fatality

This content was published on Aug 3, 2026 Basel’s Legionella outbreak affects 26 people and leads to one death.

Healthcare innovation

What’s behind the peptide boom and why it matters to Switzerland

This content was published on Aug 3, 2026 Peptides are in growing demand for everything from weight loss to rare cancers. This is good news for Swiss peptide makers.

Economy

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Economy

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Why drugs are becoming more expensive to develop

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Sandoz expands biosimilars business with Chinese biotech deal

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Swiss pharma group warns access to new medicine is worsening

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Basel authorities say Legionella outbreak is over

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Federal audit finds Swiss hospitals fail to pass on discounts to patients

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With West Africa cocoa under strain, can Brazil supply more to Switzerland?

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Swiss pharma companies flock to North Carolina

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Basel’s world-beating pharma hub fights for place in new global order

More

Legionella outbreak in Basel: 26 cases and one fatality

More

What’s behind the peptide boom and why it matters to Switzerland

Popular Stories

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