AGP Executive Report

Child Poverty: Around 114,000 children in Switzerland live in poverty and another 315,000 are at risk, with single-parent and larger families especially vulnerable. The Swiss Network for Children’s Rights is calling for a national strategy, saying support varies by canton and residency status. Flu Vaccines: Swiss flu vaccine deliveries are delayed, but no shortage is expected, according to a report this week. Alzheimer’s Research: ETH Zurich researchers identified an enzyme linked to damage in brain-cell energy centres in mice; compounds that blocked its harmful activity slowed memory loss and cell death in the animals. Swiss Pharma: Basel-based Galderma has agreed to acquire US skincare brand ZO Skin Health for $1.5 billion. Roche: The Swiss drugmaker’s Enspryng has received US FDA approval.

Kidney Research: Novartis has ended a mid-stage trial of Fabhalta for lupus-related kidney inflammation, citing strategic considerations. The company did not say whether safety or effectiveness influenced the decision. Flu Vaccines: Swiss flu vaccine deliveries are delayed, but no shortage is expected, according to a report published this week. Alzheimer’s: ETH Zurich researchers found that blocking an enzyme linked to damage in brain cells slowed memory loss in mice. The findings are preliminary and have not been tested in people. Roche: The US FDA approved Roche’s Enspryng, a further regulatory win for the Swiss drugmaker.

Kidney Research: Novartis has ended a mid-stage trial of Fabhalta for lupus nephritis, a serious kidney complication of lupus. The company cited strategic considerations; it has not said whether safety or effectiveness played a role. Flu Vaccines: Around 40% of this autumn’s vaccine deliveries to Switzerland are delayed, but health officials say supplies should arrive before the flu wave. Vaccination weeks are planned for November, and the jab is recommended for older adults, pregnant people and others at higher risk. Women’s Health: A physician in Switzerland says menopause symptoms began for her at 26, but she was diagnosed only at 33 after years of being told they might be stress-related. She is calling for stronger research and clearer guidance on early menopause. Mental Health: An AXA survey found eight in 10 workers would use workplace mental health support, while two-thirds say it is unavailable or they do not know about it. Switzerland was among the countries where stigma was reported less often as a barrier.

Swiss Pharma: Basel-based Galderma is buying California skincare brand ZO Skin Health for $1.5 billion, expanding its medical aesthetics and dermatology portfolio. Eye Care: A Swiss Retina Research Network study found Roche’s faricimab improved retinal swelling over six months in patients with macular edema, with no reported eye inflammation or vasculitis. Healthcare Access: Reports flag a severe doctor shortage in Switzerland, while osteoporosis remains widely undiagnosed and untreated. Roche Research: The Swiss pharma company reported encouraging Phase III data for vamikibart, a potential treatment for uveitic macular edema, a serious cause of vision loss.

Swiss Pharma: Galderma has agreed to buy California skincare company ZO Skin Health for $1.5 billion, expanding the Zug-based group’s medical skincare portfolio. Geneva Research: A University of Geneva study found that mice switched to a vegan diet showed changes in liver function and activity motivation within days. The findings are in animals, not proof of the same effects in people; researchers stress the importance of balanced protein and nutrients. Obesity Drugs: Roche has struck a deal worth up to $1.16 billion to license an obesity drug from China’s Rona Therapeutics, adding to its weight-loss research push. Care Access: A report flags a severe doctor shortage in Switzerland, raising concerns about pressure on healthcare services.

Premium Pressure: Switzerland’s Federal Council rejected a proposal to require insurers to return investment gains through lower premiums. The decision comes as 2027 premiums rise; in 2022, only 32 of 51 insurers offered voluntary rebates. Swiss Medtech: Schlieren-based Kuros Biosciences raised its 2026 outlook after medical-device sales climbed 40% in the first nine months, to $141.8 million. Pharma Deals: Roche licensed a Chinese biotech’s experimental obesity drug in a deal worth up to $1.16 billion. Separately, Swiss skincare group Galderma agreed to buy US brand ZO Skin Health for $1.5 billion. Digital Safety: Migros says it has found no sign of a cyberattack linked to a French supermarket breach, but Swiss experts warn similar remote-control weaknesses could threaten hospital drug refrigerators and other essential systems.

Swiss Pharma: Galderma agreed to buy US skincare company ZO Skin Health for $1.5 billion, expanding its physician-dispensed products alongside Cetaphil and Alastin. Obesity Research: Roche licensed an experimental RNA-based obesity drug from China’s Rona Therapeutics in a deal worth up to $1.16 billion. Mental Health Policy: Switzerland and Germany support a Council of Europe protocol on involuntary psychiatric treatment, but critics say both countries’ high rates of compulsory admission raise questions about their own practices. Care Gaps: Recent reports flag a doctor shortage in Switzerland and osteoporosis that often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Mental Health Awareness: Campaigners gathered in Bern for Swiss Mad Pride, calling attention to the experiences of people with mental health conditions.

Digital Care: Swiss drug-device maker Ypsomed and MyTherapy are linking connected injection data with medication reminders, education and support for people with chronic conditions. Hearing Health: Swiss hearing-aid company Phonak has launched an AI-powered remote microphone designed to separate speech from background noise in real time. Pharma Deals: Galderma agreed to buy US skincare company ZO Skin Health for $1.5 billion, expanding its physician-dispensed skincare business. Roche also struck a deal with China’s Rona Therapeutics, worth up to $1.16 billion, for an obesity drug candidate. Eye Health: Roche reported one-year trial results for vamikibart, showing sustained vision improvements in patients with a serious form of eye inflammation; the FDA is reviewing the treatment. Drug Manufacturing: Lonza confirmed its 2026 outlook and set new mid-term growth targets as it prepares to sell its Capsules & Health Ingredients business.

Obesity Research: Roche agreed to pay China’s Rona Therapeutics up to $1.16 billion for an experimental RNAi drug targeting ALK7, an emerging obesity target that may help reduce fat while preserving muscle. Diet and Metabolism: A UNIGE mouse study found that switching to a vegan diet quickly changed liver metabolism and reduced willingness to exercise; the findings are not yet confirmed in people. Pain Relief: In a Zurich study of 204 patients, listening to favorite music was linked to less pain after an IV insertion. Swiss Care Gaps: Reports highlight a severe doctor shortage and osteoporosis that often goes undiagnosed and untreated in Switzerland. Mental health campaigners also gathered in Bern for Swiss Mad Pride.

Pain Relief: A University Hospital Zurich study of 204 patients found that listening to personally chosen music reduced reported pain after an intravenous needle, with the effect lasting at least two minutes. Diabetes Technology: Basel-based Ascensia led a $36 million funding round for glucose-sensor startup Sava and secured exclusive European distribution rights; Sava aims to begin a pivotal trial this year. Care Gaps: Recent reports highlight a severe doctor shortage in Switzerland and warn that osteoporosis remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Mental Health: Bern hosted a Swiss Mad Pride gathering, bringing mental health campaigners together to challenge stigma. Swiss Pharma: Roche reported positive data for an eye-disease drug, adding to a busy week for the Swiss drugmaker.

Doctor Shortage: Switzerland has about 45,000 practising doctors, but demand is growing as the population ages. A quarter of family doctors are expected to retire by 2030, and only one in four nearing retirement has found a successor. Bone Health: Osteoporosis often goes undiagnosed and untreated: around 684,000 Swiss women with the condition receive no treatment, according to the Swiss Rheumatism League, which has launched a national awareness campaign and risk check. Transplant Research: University of Zurich researchers found that activated protein C can help blood stem cells retain their regenerative capacity during laboratory processing, a potential boost for transplants and gene therapies. Cancer Care: Switzerland is among six countries piloting IARC’s Cancer RADAR project, which will compare cancer risks and care disparities among people with migrant backgrounds to help guide prevention and services. Oral Health: Health experts meeting in Geneva are urging health systems to make dental prevention part of routine care, linking oral health with wider conditions including heart disease and diabetes.

Hypertension Research: Swiss drugmaker Idorsia reported Phase 3 analyses showing aprocitentan lowered blood pressure in patients with obesity and complex heart-kidney-metabolic conditions; kidney markers also improved, though further study is needed. Emergency Medicine: Lausanne University Hospital doctors used an operating-room monitoring tool to support a man in respiratory failure after a rare green mamba bite, as venom-induced paralysis worsened. Roche Updates: New data on experimental eye drug vamikibart showed sustained vision gains and reduced retinal swelling over 52 weeks. The FDA also approved Roche’s Tecentriq with chemotherapy after surgery for a type of stage III colon cancer. Drug Safety: The FDA flagged four deaths among patients in studies of evenamide, an experimental schizophrenia drug from Swiss-listed Newron, citing a possible heart-rhythm risk; the company is reviewing the agency’s feedback. Mental Health: Several hundred people gathered in Bern for Swiss Mad Pride, calling for greater acceptance and inclusion of people with mental health conditions.

Roche: New trial data suggest its experimental eye drug vamikibart can improve vision and reduce retinal swelling over 52 weeks in people with uveitis-related macular oedema. Mental Health: Several hundred people gathered in Bern for Swiss Mad Pride, calling for greater inclusion and less stigma around mental illness. Swiss Sport: Catherine Debrunner broke her own women’s wheelchair marathon world record in Chicago, finishing in 1:33:16; compatriot Marcel Hug also won. Seasonal Health: Switzerland’s winter flu wave is expected to begin in mid-December, while reports warn that ticks are becoming more prevalent. Public Health: Two people have been sickened by botulism in Switzerland. Separately, Roche’s Tecentriq won US approval with chemotherapy as an adjuvant treatment for a type of stage III colon cancer.

Sleep and Stroke: An international review involving researchers from Switzerland found insomnia linked to a 26% higher relative risk of stroke. The association does not prove that insomnia causes strokes. Swiss Health Alerts: Reports warn that ticks are becoming more prevalent and a winter flu wave is expected; two people in Switzerland have also been sickened by botulism. Insurance Costs: Swiss health insurance premiums are rising, adding to household pressure. Medical Research: A Swiss gene-therapy study improved light sensitivity in 7 of 10 blind patients, though none could read. Ebola Response: Roche has sent laboratory equipment to the Democratic Republic of Congo to support Ebola testing. Pesticide Concerns: Hundreds protested against Syngenta over pesticide pollution in Switzerland.

Seasonal Health: Switzerland is bracing for a winter flu wave, with vaccination advice returning to the fore. Ticks are also becoming more prevalent, keeping bite prevention on the health agenda. Research: A study involving COPD patients in Switzerland and four other European countries found that more daily walking was linked to fewer serious flare-ups, even in areas with air pollution. Swiss Health Industry: Roche has sent laboratory equipment to the Democratic Republic of Congo to support Ebola testing. A Swiss gene-therapy team also reported early progress for people with advanced inherited blindness, though no participants regained the ability to read. Public Health: Around 300 people protested at Syngenta’s Monthey plant, calling for greater transparency about chemicals and action over pesticide pollution. Costs: Swiss health insurance premiums are set to rise again, adding pressure on household budgets.

Vision Research: A gene therapy developed with researchers in Basel improved light sensitivity in seven of 10 people with advanced retinitis pigmentosa; six had a clinically meaningful gain, but none could read or recognize faces. Pain Relief: At University Hospital Zurich, a study of more than 200 patients found that listening to their preferred music reduced pain during IV insertion more than Mozart, relaxation music or no music. Living With COPD: A five-country study that included Swiss patients linked every extra 1,000 daily steps to a 5% lower rate of moderate or severe flare-ups. Swiss Health Watch: Two botulism cases were reported in Switzerland, while tick numbers are rising and the seasonal flu wave is expected to begin in mid-December. Pesticide Concerns: Around 300 people protested outside Syngenta’s Monthey plant, calling for greater disclosure of chemicals and action over potential health and environmental risks.