What Will It Take to Keep Biotech Growing in Europe, Rainer Westermann?

In this episode of MAP – the Market Access Podcast, Dr. Stefan Walzer sits down with Rainer Westermann, Chairman of the Life Sciences Acceleration Alliance (LSAA), to ask whether Europe can remain a globally competitive home for life sciences innovation — and what has to change for new therapies to reach patients.Bringing an investor's lens, Rainer explains why so many promising European companies scale in the US instead: the "valley of death" between great science and a viable business, the shortage of productive growth capital, the absence of a deep, liquid capital market, and the drag of long timelines, fragmented member-state systems, and cost-containment-first thinking. They also unpack the ripple effects of the US Most Favored Nation policy, the patent cliff, and why patients — who are also voters — belong at the center of the debate.Stay connected by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform or listening directly on our website: MAP Podcasts —and if you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to rate it and the podcast!MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS—and the global #1 podcast in the field of health economics. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy, visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/#MarketAccess #LifeSciences #Biotech #VentureCapital #PharmaInnovation #HealthcareInvestment #EuropeanUnion #MFN #MarketAccessStrategy #marketaccesspodcast

In this episode of MAP – the Market Access Podcast, Dr. Stefan Walzer sits down with Dr. Maurice Kléber to explore what building a winning team really takes — drawing on 18 years of leadership and a shared love of ice hockey.They discuss why trust and psychological safety are the foundation of any high-performing team, how role clarity and shared accountability turn a group of individuals into a unit, and why talent alone never wins — culture does. Along the way, Dr. Maurice shares the analogies he uses to make leadership tangible, from ships in a storm to aligned waves. A must-listen for leaders in pharma, market access, and beyond.Stay connected by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform or listening directly on our website: MAP Podcasts — and if you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to rate it and the podcast!MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS — and the global #1 podcast in the field of health economics. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy, visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/#MarketAccess #Leadership #PharmaLeadership #HighPerformingTeams #WinningMindset #CellTherapy #Pharma #IceHockey #marketaccesspodcast

Everyone wants AI to click the button for them — the real question is whether you still need to click it at all. In this episode of MAP – the Market Access Podcast, Dr. Stefan Walzer sits down with Dr. Seye Abogunrin, a health economist at Roche, Switzerland, to move AI in market access from experimentation to execution.They explore where AI adds real value today — drafting dossier text, screening titles and abstracts, extracting data from full-text papers — and why out-of-the-box prompting isn't enough. Seye makes the case that AI delivers strong first drafts, not submission-ready evidence, and that the human must stay "in the lead" for scientific rigor and credibility. They also unpack the real blockers at scale — change management, compliance, and data leakage — and why fully leveraging AI may mean overhauling our processes, not just speeding them up. The conversation also looks at how to identify the use cases that are genuinely worth scaling, rather than adopting AI for the sake of it. And as AI becomes more capable, the bigger opportunity may be to rethink how market access work gets done — not simply to make existing processes faster.Stay connected by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform or listening directly on our website: MAP Podcasts — and if you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to rate it and the podcast!MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS — and the global #1 podcast in the field of health economics. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy, visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/#MarketAccess #HealthEconomics #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #AIinHealthcare #HEOR #EvidenceSynthesis #HTA #DigitalHealth #MAPPodcast #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast

By the time most health economists get pulled in, the recipe is already set. In this episode of MAP – the Market Access Podcast, Dr. Stefan Walzer sits down with two industry veterans — Dr. Björn Schwander, Founder of AHEAD GmbH and a specialist in early health economic modeling, and Julie Frappier, senior health economist and Founder of TOWWERS — to make the case for moving early health economics upstream.The conversation reframes value as more than a financial number: the combination of clinical relevance, economic relevance, and affordability, aligned early across the "five Ps" — patients, prescribers, policymakers, payers, and producers. Björn and Julie explain why early models should be deliberately simple, built to test scenarios and surface the strongest value signals rather than chase false precision, and why embracing uncertainty is a feature, not a flaw. They also tackle the implementation risk too often ignored — illustrated by a CAR-T case in Quebec where it took a full year to treat the first patient after approval — and why an early "no-go" can be just as valuable as a green light.LinkedIn: Dr. Björn Schwander https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjoern-schwander-phd-672040b/Julie Frappier https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-frappier-b5642a3/#MarketAccess #HealthEconomics #HEOR #EarlyModeling #RealWorldEvidence #HealthEconomicModeling #HTA #ValueBasedHealthcare #Reimbursement #MedTech #DigitalHealth #mAxInsights #marketaccesspodcast

This is a repost of a popular episode of MAP - Market Access Podcast, from March 1st 2025.In this episode of MAP, Dr. Stefan Walzer, together with experts Douglas Drake and Adam Skali, unpacks the complexities of how GDPR regulations affect real-world evidence, cross-border studies, and market access in Europe. The discussion highlights data privacy challenges, delays in commercialization, and the future of healthcare data regulation.Learn more about how data privacy laws create barriers for cross-border studies, delaying access to life-saving treatments, and how companies can navigate these hurdles and optimize market entry strategies. Can Europe find a balance between data privacy and innovation? Tune in to explore the challenges, solutions, and what’s next for healthcare in the EU.Stay connected by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform or listening directly on our website: MAP Podcasts — and if you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to rate it and the podcast!MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS — and the global #1 podcast in the field of health economics. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy, visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/#GDPR, #MarketAccess, #Real-WorldEvidence, #HealthcareData, #Pharma, #MedTech, #Cross-BorderStudies #mAxInsights #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast

When Bern sets a price, Washington now listens. In this episode of MAP – the Market Access Podcast, Dr. Stefan Walzer sits down with Dr. Marcel Boller, Pharma and Medtech Expert and Partner at Werder Viganò in Zurich, to unpack why Swiss pricing reform has shifted from a reimbursement question into an industrial policy one.With Switzerland now in the US "Most Favored Nation" (MFN) reference basket, every price negotiated with the BAG (Swiss Federal Office of Public Health) signals straight to US payers. They discuss why fast Swissmedic approvals are undercut by slow reimbursement negotiations, and how the "local matador" concentration of power at the BAG leaves Switzerland without an independent HTA function. The Lilly Mounjaro case says it all: frozen for nearly two years, then listed on 1 January 2026 — just weeks after an MFN deal in the US.Yet Marcel's bottom line is optimistic: few countries can truly afford a high-quality healthcare system — and Switzerland could turn that into global leadership on patient access.LinkedIn: Dr. Marcel Boller (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-Boller-/)Stay connected by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform or listening directly on our website: MAP Podcasts — and if you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to rate it and the podcast!MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS — and the global #1 podcast in the field of health economics. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy, visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/#MarketAccess #HealthEconomics #HTA #MFN #Switzerland #Swissmedic #PharmaPolicy #PricingAndReimbursement #PatientAccess #MostFavoredNation #mAxInsights #marketaccesspodcast

In the latest episode of MAP – the Market Access Podcast, Dr. Stefan Walzer sits down with Dr. Alexander Natz, Secretary-General of EUCOPE, to unpack the biggest regulatory shifts reshaping pharmaceutical market access across Europe right now.They discuss how the EU Joint Clinical Assessment (JCA) now starts national HTA timelines as soon as a marketing authorization is filed, why the so-called "launch obligation" is far from compulsory licensing, and how MFN pricing pressure from the US is forcing companies to rethink launch sequencing across Europe. Alexander also explains why comparator selection (PICO schemes) is the real battleground for national pricing outcomes, and why the European Health Data Space could become one of Europe's biggest competitive assets.Despite the added complexity, Alexander's bottom line is clear: Europe's scale, clinical networks, and regulatory innovation still make it a market worth prioritizing — if companies understand the new rules of the game. A must-listen for anyone in pharma, biotech, market access, or pricing and reimbursement navigating Europe's shifting launch strategy.LinkedIn: Alexander NatzStay connected by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform or listening directly on our website: MAP Podcasts —and if you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to rate it and the podcast!MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS—and the global #1 podcast in the field of health economics. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy, visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/#MarketAccess #HealthEconomics #HTA #JCA #PharmaPolicy #EUHealthPolicy #MFN #Pharma #PricingAndReimbursement #LaunchStrategy #EuropeanHealthDataSpace #EUCOPE #mAxInsights #marketaccesspodcast

Tune in to the newest episode of MAP, the Market Access Podcast, where Dr. Stefan Walzer engages in an insightful discussion with Prof. Dr. Thomas Hammerschmidt, a leading expert in Pharmaceutical Management at the Technical University of Applied Sciences (TH Rosenheim) in Bavaria. Together, they explore the latest proposals influencing AMNOG, pharmaceutical pricing, reimbursement, and market access. Topics include dynamic mandatory rebates, patented drug tenders, price-volume agreements, and their potential consequences for pharmaceutical companies operating in Germany.The removal of combination rebates and AMNOG guardrails could foster greater innovation incentives. The key takeaway? Pharma companies must brace themselves for heightened pricing pressures, increased uncertainty, and a transformed reimbursement landscape. For teams focused on market access, pricing, and commercialization, the upcoming weeks could shape the reimbursement environment for years to come.The critical question: Can Germany balance healthcare cost containment while maintaining incentives for pharmaceutical innovation and investment?Stay connected by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform or listening directly on our website: MAP Podcasts —and if you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to rate it and the podcast!MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS—and the global #1 podcast in the field of health economics. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy, visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/#MarketAccess #Pharma #AMNOG #HealthcarePolicy #GermanyPharmaReform #PricingAndReimbursement #PatentedDrugTenders #PharmaceuticalIndustry #Germany #HealthEconomics #MarketAccessPodcast #LifeSciences #HealthcareInnovation #mAxInsights #marketaccesspodcast

In der deutschsprachigen Spezialfolge des MAP – Market Access Podcast spricht Dr. Stefan Walzer mit Prof. Dr. Afschin Gandjour, Arzt, Gesundheitsökonom und Finanzexperte, über eine der zentralen gesundheitspolitischen Fragen dieser Wochen: Was bedeuten Finanzkommission und Referentenentwurf konkret für den Arzneimittelmarkt? Reicht ein dynamischer Herstellerabschlag – oder braucht es Kosten‑Nutzen-Analysen? Wo drohen Fehlanreize für innovative Arzneimittel, insbesondere Orphan Drugs, und welche Rolle spielen vertrauliche Rabatte und internationale Referenzpreise?Wer im Pharmazeutischen Markt, Market Access oder Gesundheitspolitik unterwegs ist und verstehen muss, wie Deutschland Innovation finanzieren und Versorgung sichern kann, für diejenigen ist diese Episode ein Pflichtprogramm.Bleiben Sie auf dem Laufenden, indem Sie den Podcast auf Ihrer bevorzugten Podcast-Plattform abonnieren oder direkt auf unserer Website anhören: MAP Podcasts – und wenn euch die Folge gefallen hat, vergesst nicht, sie und den Podcast zu bewerten!MAP ist der erste und einzige zweiwöchentliche Podcast zum Thema Marktzugang, der von MArS angeboten wird – und der weltweit führende Podcast im Bereich Gesundheitsökonomie. Weitere Informationen zu MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy finden Sie unter: https://marketaccess4-0.com/#MarketAccess #PharmazeutischenMarkt #Gesundheitsökonomie #Gesundheitspolitik #HealthEconomics #Finanzkommission #Arzneimittelpolitik #GesundheitspolitikDE #Herstellerabschlag #KostenNutzenAnalyse #GKVStabilisierung #mAxInsights #marketaccesspodcast

From Olympic ice to AI-powered leadership: What can Market Access teams learn from elite sports? In the 111+1 anniversary episode of MAP – the Market Access Podcast, Dr. Stefan Walzer interviews Livia Altmann, a former Swiss Olympic ice hockey player who has transitioned into a leadership and "Human Intelligence 2.0" expert. Together, they explore how mental training, consistency, and energy management drive success in both elite sports and the business world—and why, in an AI-driven era, execution outshines knowledge.Livia shares insights on how leaders can use AI as an enabler rather than a replacement. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining control through a growth mindset, unwavering focus under pressure, and strong self-awareness to build trust, align teams, and make better decisions. If you're part of the Market Access, life sciences, or healthcare industries and want your team to thrive under pressure in the age of AI, this is a conversation you won't want to miss!Stay connected by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform or listening directly on our website: MAP Podcasts —and if you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to rate it and the podcast!MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS—and the global #1 podcast in the field of health economics. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy, visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/#MarketAccess #Pharma #HealthEconomics# #Medtech #DigitalHealth #AI #mAxInsights #HumanIntelligence #MAPPodcast #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast #HumanIntelligence2_0 #HumanAICollaboration #AIEnabledLeadership #EliteSportsMindset #OlympicWinner #PowerSkills #HighPerformingTeams #MarketAccessLeadership