[The drug industry and research: status in Germany]

If globally active pharmaceutical companies are to remain competitive, it is essential for them to be able to conduct research and development on an appropriate scale. Generally, their respective domestic market forms their base. For that reason, conditions there should be research-and innovation-friendly. In addition, pharmaceutical research calls for very long-term investment decisions. Companies that become involved in this interaction of profit and loss differ fundamentally from state or public organizations. The ensuing conflict of interest has become increasingly evident in Germany since the end of the 70s. The regulatory environment surrounding the market has changed in all fields, be they fiscal, sociopolitical or in pharmaceutical legislation, into a confusing and incoherent body of regulations. Moreover, part of society is undecided about its attitude towards pharmaceutical progress and the introduction of new technologies. In view of these developments it is high time to change course and help ensure that one of the few remaining competitive sectors in Germany-and one with a promising future-stays in the country.