Germany

German medtech revenue growth has slowed, profit margins are being eroded, and exporters fear harsher US market access conditions on the return to office of President-Elect Donald Trump. The week became even more momentous with news of the collapse of the German government.

Findings of Germany’s latest annual survey of medtech opinion and business confidence are a wake-up call for European industry and heap further criticism on the EU MDR.

Germany’s Medical Research Act clears its final legal hurdle after federal council sign off.

The Pink Sheet highlights recent comments and insights from pharma officials and executives on key issues we are covering.

“Flying blind” into healthcare reform was among the feisty criticisms of Germany’s proposed law on hospital care improvement during the final parliamentary plenary on 17 October. SPD health minister Karl Lauterbach has stoutly defended his reform.

Bayer adds dry eye treatment to its Bepanthen skin care range; Stada launches special edition Elotrans supplement for Eintracht Frankfurt fans; Hermes offers chewable magnesium supplement; and Klosterfrau introduces Oyono Night extension to help troubled sleepers maintain their immunity.

A leading provider of over-the-counter health and wellbeing products in the DACH region will be created through the merger of Merz Lifecare and Windstar Medical.

Germany's BfR says certain groups, including pregnant women and those with certain health conditions, should not use ashwagandha supplements, while the rest of the population should exercise caution due to the potential risks.

The revised EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, which obliges pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries to contribute at least 80% towards the costs of removing micropollutants from wastewater through quaternary treatments, will place an additional burden of around €2bn per year on German manufacturers, says Pharma Deutschland. 

The revised EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, which obliges pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries to contribute at least 80% towards the costs of removing micropollutants from wastewater through quaternary treatments, will place an additional burden of around €2bn per year on German manufacturers, says Pharma Deutschland.