RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT › LOGISTICS › HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS › CLINICAL TRIALS › CASE STUDIES
FOREWORD
Following the success of last year’s Top Executives in the Pharmaceutical Industry publication, we have decided to broaden our horizons and take a closer look at the landscape of Hungary’s pharmaceutical industry as a whole. This year’s Pharma Industry Review offers an in-depth look at the key trends shaping the sector, exploring the challenges and opportunities that define the industry today.
Hungary has long been a stronghold of pharmaceutical production in Central and Eastern Europe, with a rich history of innovation, well-established manufacturing capacities, and a significant role in both generic and innovative drug development. As the industry continues to evolve amid shifting regulatory, economic, and technological conditions, understanding the sector’s dynamics has never been more critical.
In this publication, we examine the latest developments in pharmaceutical production, research and development, regulatory trends, market access, and healthcare financing. We also highlight the perspectives of key stakeholders—including industry leaders, policymakers, and experts—on the future of the sector.
Beyond the broader trends, this book also covers some of the most significant recent news shaping
the industry, including major investment projects, advancements in research and development, and digitalization efforts aimed at improving efficiency and addressing systemic challenges. With the pharmaceutical industry facing an increasing labor shortage, companies are turning to automation and artificial intelligence to optimize production and reduce dependency on hard-to-fill positions. Innovative training programs, collaboration with universities, and government-backed initiatives are also playing a key role in ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals. Meanwhile, Hungary remains an attractive destination for pharmaceutical investment, with both domestic and multinational players committing substantial resources to expanding their operations and upgrading their facilities. These developments underscore the industry’s resilience and its ability to adapt to an evolving economic and regulatory landscape, ensuring that Hungary remains a competitive force in the global pharmaceutical market.
From the growing role of innovative medicine in ensuring efficient healthcare solutions to the challenges posed by global supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures, Pharma Industry Review aims to provide a comprehensive snapshot of the forces shaping Hungary’s pharmaceutical sector.
Bence Gaál, Editor
This publication also includes a recap of a recent BBJ CEO Breakfast panel discussion, which provided a forum for industry leaders to share insights on the current state and future direction of Hungary’s pharmaceutical sector. These exclusive gatherings have become a staple of how the Budapest Business Journal actively engages with key players in the industry, fostering dialogue and uncovering diverse perspectives. By bringing together executives, policymakers, and experts, these discussions offer valuable takeaways on the challenges and opportunities shaping the market, from regulatory shifts to investment trends and innovation-driven growth.
By expanding our focus beyond leadership profiles, this edition presents a broader, more holistic view of an industry that remains a cornerstone of Hungary’s economy and healthcare system.
WHO PAYS THE PIPER IN
PHARMA PARTNERSHIPS, WORLD-LEADING RESEARCH, AND PERSONALIZED MEDICINE?
Our October 2024 Pharma CEO Breakfast included a roundtable discussion featuring Dr. Judit Bidló, Deputy State Secretary for the Professional Management of Health at the Ministry of the Interior; Christoph W. Sensen, director general and CEO of HCEMM Nonprofit Kft. in Szeged, which runs the Hungarian Center of Excellence for Molecular Medicine; Dr. Katalin Szalóki, CEO of the Association of Innovative Pharmaceutical Manufacturers of Hungary; and Wolfgang Wallisch, the CEO of Phoenix Group in Hungary and the man who launched the franchise-based Benu pharmacy chain in Hungary. Robin Marshall, editor-in-chief of the Budapest Business Journal, moderated the discussion.
From left: Robin Marshall alongside Sylvain Hanssen, who gave the keynote speech before the panel discussion; Dr Judit Bidló; Christoph W Sensen; Dr Katalin Szalóki; and Wolfgang Wallisch
DIGITALIZATION ADVANCES HUNGARIAN HEALTHCARE THROUGH EGÉSZSÉGABLAK APP
The Hungarian government is expanding its efforts to digitalize healthcare,focusing on reducing waiting times, improving service quality, and increasing efficiency. A key tool in this process is the EgészségAblak mobile application, which has already been downloaded by nearly 3.5 million users, with 2.9 million actively using it.
“These databases enable us to compare the effectiveness of different treatment approaches—such as blood sugar-lowering medications. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, we could measure the relative effectiveness of the five available vaccines.”
The platform provides patients with access to their medical records, including past test results and discharge summaries. It also features a “social security status indicator,” allowing users to check the validity of their health insurance coverage. In an effort to improve outpatient care, the government has integrated an appointment booking system into the app, which now offers 3543 available specialist consultations across 134 clinics nationwide, with a total of 280,000 open slots for 2024 and 902,000 available appointments through February 2025.
“The most common complaint about public healthcare is the difficulty of securing appointments. Many patients opt for private care simply because booking is easier and faster. This is why the government decided to introduce the EgészségAblak appointment booking system in outpatient care,” said Bence Rétvári, Parliamentary State Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, at the 5th Digital Health Summit.
The ESZFK Egészséginformatikai Szolgáltató és Fejlesztési Központ Nonprofit Kft. (ESZFK) is a state-owned
INNOVATIVE NEW BUILDING MOVES RICHTER INTO NEW ERA
A new era begun for Richter Gedeon Nyrt. with the opening of the Richter Center, a headquarters designed with cutting-edge technological solutions, and commitment to sustainability in mind. The new central office oversees the company’s operations both in Hungary and across 50 countries worldwide.
The Richter Center was inaugurated by Energy Minister Csaba Lantos, Mayor of Kőbánya Róbert Antal D. Kovács, Richter Chairman of the Board Prof. Dr. E. Szilveszter Vizi, CEO Gábor Orbán, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Ferenc Krausz, and architect Gábor Zoboki, who designed the building.
A NEW MILESTONE IN COORDINATION
The headquarters marks a significant step forward in coordinating the work of nearly 12,000 employees worldwide. Designed by Zoboki Architectural Office, the 17,400-square-meter, six-story building provides a comfortable work
environment for over 400 employees. The architectural concept prioritizes functionality, with ergonomic and human-centered interior spaces designed to enhance productivity, while also showcasing innovation through modern design elements and cuttingedge construction technologies.
CROSS-INDUSTRY ALLIANCE LAUNCHED, PROMOTING CHEMISTRY EDUCATION
IN HUNGARY TO COMBAT LABOR SHORTAGE
In Hungary, industries closely related to chemistry - chemicals, pharmaceuticals, environmental protection - accounted for over 11% of manufacturing GDP last year. Despite their importance for the national economy, these industries still face above-average labor shortages and problems with supply: the number of applicants and enrolments in chemistry-related courses at Hungarian universities is steadily declining.
KEY BUDGETARY FIGURES IMPACTING PHARMACEUTICAL SUPPLY IN 2025
The pharmaceutical budget for 2025 will increase by 7% compared to last year’s approved budget, approaching HUF 535 billion with changes to proportions allocated to subsidy expenditures and the reserve fund, the Association of Network Pharmacies (HGYSZ) noted.
The association explained that in the 2024 budget, there were significant changes in the ratio between pharmaceutical subsidy expenditures and the reserve fund. This year, the allocation will return to previous proportions: 75.8% of the total subsidy (HUF 405.6 bln) will be allocated to pharmaceutical subsidy expenditures, and 24.2% (HUF 129.2 bln) will go to the pharmaceutical subsidy reserve fund.
The funding for high-value medicines will see a significant increase of more than HUF 50 billion after two years, reaching HUF 180 billion.
OTHER KEY ALLOCATIONS
Compared to 2024, several major figures related to pharmaceutical
The association argues that medication vending machines can complement, but not replace human-staffed services.
Photo by BLACKDAY / Shutterstock com
HUNGARIAN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY ADAPTS TO
LOGISTICS
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