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Medical Biotechnology Industry

Germany’s biopharmaceuticals sector outpaced the overall market in Germany with turnover of EUR 19.2 billion in 2023 – recording almost eight percent growth from 2022 to 2023.  

Key Facts

The Medical Biotechnology Industry in Numbers

35 %

market share of total pharmaceutical market

10.7 %

CAGR for the period 2024 to 2032

2.346

biotechnology patent applications - making Germany Europe’s biotech leader

776

dedicated companies in the biotechnology sector 

48.000

employees in the biotechnology sector

Facts & Figures

European Leader  

Germany is not only the world’s largest medical biotech nation behind the US but is also the country with the highest medical biotechnology R&D spending – 19% increase in 2022 – in Europe.  

Largest IVD Market in Europe 

Today, 70 percent of all clinical diagnoses are made using in vitro diagnostics (IVD). With more than EUR 6.3 billion in annual revenue in 2021 (EUR 4.1 billion for corona testing and EUR 2.2 billion in other diagnostics), Germany represents the largest IVD market in Europe and the second worldwide behind the USA. 

Top Biotechnology Hub 

With the largest amount of biotech companies in Europe, world-class research infrastructure, and internationally renowned scientists, Germany has firmly established itself as an international medical biotechnology hub.  

Opportunities

  1. IVD & Molecular Diagnostics

     In-vitro diagnostics (IVDs) are a crucial part of modern medicine: laboratory-based tests performed on biological samples provide information that is key for the prevention, treatment and management of diseases. Today, 70 percent of all clinical diagnoses are made using IVDs. With more than EUR 6.3 billion in annual revenue in 2021 (EUR 4.1 billion for corona testing and EUR 2.2 billion in other diagnostics), Germany represents the largest IVD market in Europe and the second worldwide behind the USA. 
  2. Biopharmaceuticals Market  

    Big pharmaceutical concerns and smaller biotechnology companies alike are focusing on drug discovery and development of medicines produced by biotechnological processes. Small molecules are moving to the background in medicine development as the result of a major paradigm shift to biopharmaceuticals. This is reflected by the increasing sales of biopharmaceutical products worldwide. According to a report by healthcare research service provider IQVIA, sales of biopharmaceuticals in Germany increased to EUR 19.2 billion in 2023 (growth of 7.9 percent compared to 2022). Growth was seen in nearly all fields of application, particularly in drugs treating immunological (e.g. rheumatic) as well as infectious diseases and cancer.  

    The number of biopharmaceuticals in clinical development increased from 657 in 2020 to 672 in 2022 – reflecting continued high investment in the biopharmaceutical pipeline. In 2022, a record-breaking 59 percent of all new drug approvals were biopharmaceuticals – more than ever before. By the end of 2022, a total of 398 biopharmaceutical drugs were approved for the German market. Divided into pharmacological classes, vaccines and monoclonal antibodies show the way with a combined 56 percent of all approvals.  

     

Business Environment

Business Environment for Germany’s Medical Biotechnology Industry 

Innovation Infrastructure 

Science and industry need to work together closely in order for innovations to be commercialized successfully. German bioclusters are proving to be important new technology impulse givers in this respect. 

 

Germany's Bioregions 

The BioRegions are regional initiatives for the advancement of modern biotechnology in Germany. Over the past three decades, these biotechnology clusters have developed to become Europe’s leading R&D hubs. Each region facilitates collaboration between universities, R&D institutes and private sector companies. Around 30 BioRegions are active members of AK Bioregio, whose goal is to advance the German biotechnology sector by coordinating and promoting local activities. AK BioRegio advances the exchange between regional initiatives and relays its expertise to political decision makers. 

Investors benefit from easy access to networks and funding for research projects. The BioRegions also include technology parks tailored to the specific needs of biotechnology companies. Commonly known as BioParks, these centers offer an ideal infrastructure - including lab space and clean rooms - as well as a range of services for both start-up and well established companies. 

Factsheet Biotechnology Clusters in Germany and Council of German BioRegions 

Biopharma in Germany 

Germany has enjoyed a reputation as the “world’s pharmacy” for around a century. The legacy continues into the present day with the success of German companies including BioNTech, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Merck – as well as multi-billion investments by leading international companies every year. Germany’s leading position in the biotechnology and pharmaceuticals industry make it a highly attractive location for innovative companies focused on biopharmaceuticals.  

 

Could your company benefit from being part of the biotechnology ecosystem in Europe’s largest economy? Germany Trade & Invest can help – totally free of charge. Get in touch.

News

Pharmaceutical Industry News

Germany’s pharmaceutical industry operates in a flourishing healthcare ecosystem offering attractive opportunities for international life science companies expanding to Germany. Find out more about what's going on in Germany‘s pharmaceutical industry. 

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  2. Aug 07, 2023 Research and Development
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  3. Oct 09, 2023 Healthcare
    Life Sciences - Healthcare News | October 2023

    Innovative start-ups are booming in Germany's attractive life sciences sector.

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