Kundl (OTS) – Sandoz, the global leader in generics and biosimilars, welcomed EU Commissioner for Budget and Administration Johannes Hahn on Friday. As part of his trip to Tyrol, he visited the Sandoz factory in Kundl – the last large, fully integrated penicillin production in the Western world and a beacon for the security of supply for patients with life-saving antibiotics that are manufactured entirely in Austria.
Antibiotics are the backbone of modern medicine and Sandoz in Kundl is proof of the resilience and innovation of European production. A central part of the factory tour was the active ingredient production facility, which opened last year and includes funding totaling 50 million euros. In total, Sandoz has invested around 200 million euros in the last two years in expanding antibiotic production in Kundl and sustainably strengthening security of supply. Thanks to the investments, Sandoz not only produces in a more environmentally friendly way than ever before, but can also increase production by 20%. This common commitment strengthens Europe as a pharmaceutical location and can be seen as a role model for other countries.
“Sandoz in Kundl is part of the critical infrastructure, and the solidarity between politics and industry shows that with the right measures we can strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and resilience
” – Johannes Hahn, EU Commissioner for Budget and Administration
During the visit, the challenging economic conditions in the area of off-patent medicines were also discussed in order to ensure patient supply. Generics and biosimilars are cheap but valuable. They not only secure the financing of health systems, but also make medical progress accessible to everyone.
“We need appropriate prices with rising energy and resource costs in order to be able to ensure a stable market with many suppliers, strong production in Europe with high environmental standards, diverse supply chains and well-trained specialists with fair wage levels in the future. We invest year after year so that we can continue to develop and produce our products from Europe, for Europe and the world in the future. To ensure that patients receive the best possible care, everyone must pull together
” – Peter Stenico, Country President Sandoz Austria
About Sandoz
Sandoz (SIX: SDZ; OTCQX: SDZNY) is the world’s leading provider of generic and biosimilar medicines. The company’s growth strategy is based on a clear goal: giving the world access to life-saving medicines. More than 20,000 people from more than 100 nationalities work together to ensure Sandoz delivers 800 million patient treatments, resulting in significant global healthcare savings and an even greater social impact. The leading portfolio of around 1,500 products covers illnesses from colds to cancer. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Sandoz’s history dates back to 1886. Groundbreaking successes include Calcium Sandoz in 1929, the world’s first oral penicillin in 1951, and the first biosimilar in 2006. In 2023, Sandoz reported sales of $9.6 billion.
Questions & Contact:
Marina Konrad-Märk
M +4366478949617
E marina.konrad-maerk@sandoz.com
Christoph Bollenbach
M +436648278622
E christoph.bollenbach@sandoz.com