Vienna International Health and Pharmaceutical Industry News

Austria Extends Lockdown Until February 7

The Austrian government has announced an extension of the current lockdown until at least February 7, 2021. Due to only a very slow decline in Covid-19 cases and the virus mutations from Great Britain and South Africa, which are more contagious and spread actively through the EU, the lockdown was extended and wearing a FFP2 mask in public transport and stores will be mandatory.

Yesterday

Vienna Opens First Covid-19 Vaccination Line

By Monday, January 18, 2021, about 11,000 physicians, paramedics and other people working in the medical sector, will be the first ones to receive the vaccines in the so-called vaccination lines set up by the City of Vienna. All Viennese residents can pre-register for a Covid-19 vaccination starting January 18, 2021.

January 15, 2021

Austria Provides Medical Treatment for Kosovar Patients

An impactful gas explosion in Kosovo left more than 40 people injured, several of them needing urgent intensive medical treatment. After the Kosovar government approached the Austrian Foreign Ministry, Chancellor Kurz and Foreign Minister Schallenberg reacted immediately and promised to help.

January 11, 2021

Additional 6 Million Doses of Covid-19 Vaccine for Austria

Due to the recent order activity of the European Union at BioNTech/Pfizer, Austria will receive an additional 6 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine - 1.5 million already in the second quarter of 2021. In total, the EU has secured itself the right for additional 300 million doses from BioNTech/Pfizer.

January 8, 2021

Vienna Prepares for Second Mass Testing

Vienna's residents can have themselves tested once again during the period from January 8 to January 17. The tests will be conducted at the same three locations like during the first mass testing. Although the city prepares capacities for up to 900,000 people, registration for an appointment is required.

January 7, 2021

EMA Approves Second Covid-19 Vaccine: Austria Receives 890,000 Doses

The European Medical Agency (EMA) and the European Commission have approved the second Covid-19 vaccine for EU member states. The vaccine from the producer Moderna will provide Austria with another 890,000 doses in the first half of 2021. Austria's Health Minister expects approval for the vaccine from AstraZeneca by February.

January 7, 2021

Covid-19 Vaccine: Good Tolerability So Far in Austria

The feedback from the nursing homes and other institutions who have already used the vaccine from BioNTech and Pfizer has shown very good tolerability so far. In addition, the Ministry of Health expects market approval for another Covid-19 vaccine in the next week.

January 4, 2021

Anschober: Covid-19 Measures Help Against Influenza

According to the Ministry of Health, Austria's Covid-19 measures also prevent the spread of influenza viruses. Compared to 2019, only a small fraction of influenza viruses were detected this year. Health Minister Anschober has repeatedly highlighted the importance of keeping both Covid-19 and influenza cases down in order to maintain availability of intensive care units.

December 30, 2020

Austria Supports Montenegro By Providing Care for Covid-19 Patient

After an offer by Foreign Minister Schallenberg at the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, Montenegro has made use of Austria's proposal to take over the care Covid-19 patients in need of intensive medical treatment. A 46-year old male patient has been transferred to a hospital in Klagenfurt and will be treated in the intensive care unit.

December 28, 2020

Covid-19 Vaccine: Austria Starts on December 27

The vaccination process against Covid-19 in Austria will start on December 27. As already announced by the President of the European Commission Von der Leyen, the vaccine developed by BioNTech and Pfizer is distributed in the upcoming days, making a vaccination start before 2021 possible.

December 23, 2020

EMA Approves Covid-19 Vaccine

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended the approval of a Covid-19 vaccine developed by BioNTech and Pfizer. Ultimately, the European Commission granted approval and the first vaccine will be used on December 27. Further Covid-19 vaccinations are awaiting approvals in the upcoming weeks.

December 21, 2020

Von der Leyen Hopes for Joint Start of Covid-19 Vaccinations

EU Commission President Von der Leyen wants a joint and rapid start of Covid-19 vaccinations for all EU member countries. After the likely approval of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), vaccines will be distributed among the member states and vaccination will start immediately.

December 16, 2020

Russia's and Austria's Health Minister Discuss Covid-19 Situation

Michail Muraschko, Russia's Minister for Health, and his Austrian counterpart, Rudolf Anschober, met virtually to discuss the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, which has had far-reaching effects on both countries. As a result of the meeting, the ministers agreed on the establishment of Covid-19 related working groups.

December 4, 2020

Red Ribbon at Austrian Parliament Draws Attention to World AIDS Day

In order to draw attention to World AIDS Day on December 1, the Austrian Parliament has installed a Red Ribbon on Vienna's Hofburg. National Council President Sobotka points out the recent research, treatment and therapy successes and demands tolerance for and the inclusion of people infected with HIV.

December 1, 2020

Further Increase of Investment Subsidy

The Austrian government has decided to increase its budget for investment subsidies. The high demand for this subsidy by companies located in Austria has exceeded the expectations of the government and is therefore adjusted upwards by another EUR 1 billion in order to further promote investments into digitalization, sustainability and other sectors.

November 30, 2020

EU Increases Funding for Austrian-Lead Covid-19 Research Projects

Through the Horizon 2020 research program, the EU has increased its funding for 23 Covid-19 related research projects. Two of the funded projects are lead by Austrian companies and four more rely on important Austrian partners to further their research efforts.

November 6, 2020

Foreign Disaster Fund Alleviates Covid-19 Consequences Abroad

In order to fight the impact of Covid-19 in developing countries and for people in fragile situations, the Austrian government has decided to release EUR 12 million of the Foreign Disaster Fund to NGOs that will be distributing the money as needed in the particular areas.

October 21, 2020

Foreign Ministry Announces First Special Representative for Humanitarian Aid

Austria's first-ever Special Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid will be appointed by the Foreign Ministry in order to assure the proper coordination of humanitarian aid projects. Effective allocation of funds which amount to EUR 50 million will also be part of the duties of Mr. Christoph Schweifer.

October 6, 2020

Increase of Budget for Investment Subsidies to EUR 2 Billion

The Austrian Government has announced a budget increase for investment subsidies. A high demand and investment volume in the first three weeks of the application period has lead to this decision that is welcomed by the Federal Chamber of Commerce.

September 23, 2020

Swiss President Welcomes Kurz

Swiss President Sommaruga and Austria's Chancellor Kurz met near Bern to discuss current topics related to the Covid-19 pandemic and the cooperation between the two countries. Kurz also met with CEOs of leading Swiss pharmaceutical companies to discuss the current vaccine developments.

September 21, 2020

Foreign Trade Has Partially Recovered from Crisis

According to the latest report from Statistics Austria, imports and exports are only slightly behind last year's number indicating an upwards trend after Covid-19 has impacted foreign trade significantly.

September 8, 2020

WKO Secretary General: Labor Market Situation Improves, But Remains Great Challenge

The secretary general of Austria's Federal Chamber of Commerce WKO recognizes a slightly positive trend in the labor market but underlines the importance of ongoing and future economic measures.

September 7, 2020

EU Supports Young Researchers with EUR 677 Million

The European Commission is providing a total of EUR 677 million to over 400 recipients of a "Starting Grant" from the European Research Council. Eleven of the selected junior researchers are conducting research at Austrian institutions.

September 4, 2020

Economic Sentiment in Austria and the EU Brightened Further in August

Businesses and the population of the EU still have below-average economic sentiment although the expectations improved over the last month. The sharp decline due to Covid-19 is made up by about 60 % already.

August 31, 2020

Vienna Based UNIDO Holds Expert Panel to Discuss Developments in Industry and Society

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization hosted an expert panel about the future of industry and society. Main topics were the advancement of attaining the sustainable development goals and shaping society as a whole.

August 21, 2020

Bottleneck for Influenza Vaccine Is Expected

This year the higher demand in Influenza Vaccine is causing a bottleneck and not everyone who wants to get vaccinated will be. As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, Austrians are more aware of the importance of a vaccine.

August 20, 2020

Statistics Austria: Inflation Has Risen to 1.7% in July 2020

According to latest reports, inflation in Austria has risen from 1.1% in June to 1.7% in July 2020. The pricing of clothing was the main driving force.

August 19, 2020

Austrian Government Provides Humanitarian Assistance for Lebanon

Austria provides supplies and financial aid for severely impacted Lebanon after explosion disaster at the beginning of August. In total, about EUR 2 million are provided.

August 19, 2020

European Forum Alpbach Will Be Host to Numerous Outstanding Personalities Beginning August 23

The European Forum Alpbach will be opened by Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen on August 23 and will host various outstanding speakers, either in person or virtually, for 12 days.

August 18, 2020

Austria's Federal Minister for Economic Affairs: New EU Trade Agreement with Vietnam Opens Doors

New EU trade agreement with Vietnam is likely to open doors to a very profitable market for Austrian businesses. Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Schramböck hopes that domestic companies can capitalize on the favorable conditions in the future.

August 1, 2020

Novartis Opens Production Facility for Innovative Eye Retina Product in Tyrol

The pharmaceutical company Novartis is investing EUR 27.4 million in the Kundl site in Tyrol to produce an active ingredient for a new therapy for wet age-related macular degeneration with 40 employees.

June 20, 2020

COVID-19 Drug Made in Austria

Austrian biotech company Apeiron Biologics AG, which is currently working on a drug to treat the coronavirus, announces financing round for the further development of the COVID-19 drug APN01.

May 19, 2020

Austria Becomes Self-sufficient in the Supply of Mouth and Nose Masks

Hygiene Austria LP GmbH, founded only 4 weeks ago by a cooperation of Lenzing AG and Palmers Textil AG with the aim of producing and selling protective masks for the domestic and European market, was made known to a wider public today by the visit of Federal Chancellor Kurz and Minister of Labour Christine Aschbacher, and two weeks ago by the visit of Federal Minister Margarete Schramböck.

May 19, 2020

Pfizer Invests 50 Million Euros in Lower Austria

Pfizer is expanding its site in Orth an der Donau by investing 50 million euros in the construction of new laboratories for an international quality control center for vaccines, the construction of modern office space and the modernization and expansion of the existing production infrastructure. Pfizer already produces two vaccines for worldwide export in Orth an der Donau.

August 28, 2019

Swiss Pharmaceutical Group Invests 142 Million Euros in its Viennese Research Facilities

The international pharmaceutical group Octapharma is expanding its R&D location in Vienna. After two and a half years of construction, the company celebrated the opening of a new research and development center. Together with two other major investments up to 2021, the total investment sum for all three projects will amount to 142 million euros. Since the beginning of 2017, 170 new jobs have been created. By 2026, the company plans to employ a further 300 people.

October 25, 2018

IAEA Laboratories in Seibersdorf - A Hub of Scientific Excellence

The laboratories of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are located in the town of Seibersdorf, where scientists carry out unique work in support of global peace and development. Located 35 kilometres south of Vienna, the 10 laboratories play an important role in the IAEA’s activities in the areas of nuclear verification, food and agriculture, human health, industrial applications and the environment. Recently Austrian President Van der Bellen paid a visit to Seibersdorf.

October 16, 2018

Austrian Delegation Seeks to Improve Economic and Political Relations with Jordan

An official visit of President Van der Bellen to Jordan will take place from 17 April to 19 April 2018. The delegation to Amman will be accompanied by an economic mission headed by WKO Vice President Richard Schenz. The economic mission of the WKO is the response of an invitation issued some time ago by the President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Kingdom.

March 8, 2018

Life Sciences Field is Booming in Vienna

Nine percent revenue growth, five percent increase in the workforce and a large increase in business startups - Vienna as a location for life science businesses is attracting companies at a rate never seen before.

October 14, 2015

Valneva Completes EUR 45 Million Capital Increase

The listed biotechnology company Valneva SE announces the completion of its capital increase with shareholders preferential subscription rights launched on January 12th, 2015. Valneva estimates net proceeds of EUR 42 millions from 18.2 million offered new shares. The new ordinary shares will be traded on Euronext and on the Prime Market segment of the Vienna Stock Exchange. The financing will mainly be used for the acquisition of Crucell Sweden AB and all assets, licenses and privileges related to Dukoral.

February 4, 2015

Pfizer's Agreement To Acquire Baxter’s Portfolio Of Marketed Vaccines Includes Facility in Austria

Pfizer Inc. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Baxter International Inc.’s portfolio of marketed vaccines for $635 million. As part of the transaction, Pfizer will also acquire a portion of Baxter’s facility in Orth, Austria, where these vaccines are manufactured.

August 1, 2014

Austrian Export Award 2014 for Above-Average Export Commitment

As part of a festive gala evening in Vienna's Museumsquartier, the Austrian Export Prize 2014 has been awarded by the Federal Minister for Science, Research and Economics, Reinhold Mitterlehner, and the President of the Economic Chamber Austria (WKO) Christoph Leitl.

June 26, 2014

Semperit AG Holding: High Ethical and Social Standards at Sempermed in Thailand

The Semperit Group is committed to high ethical and social standards as well as good working conditions for all its employees around the world. An independent audit carried out to verify adherence to the Code of Conduct of the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) shows that this also applies to the Siam Sempermed glove production facilities in Hatyai, Thailand.

June 6, 2014

Mitterlehner: Romania Offers New Chances for Austrian Economy

Austrian Economy Minister Reinhold Mitterlehner met his Romanian counterpart Varujan Vosganian in Vienna.

June 25, 2013

Austria: Government Agrees on Stimulus Package

Startled by construction company Alpine’s insolvency, the Austrian government has agreed on the fiercly discussed stimulus package. An amount of € 800m is required additionally.

June 25, 2013

Austria: Biggest Investor in Serbia

Serbia encourages Austrian enterprises to further invest in Serbian industries.

May 16, 2013

67 % of Estonians Work in Service Sector

According to the data of the 2011 Population and Housing Census (PHC 2011) of Statistics Estonia, 67% of persons employed in Estonia worked in service sector, 29% in industrial sector and only 4% in primary sector.

March 30, 2013

EU’s Austerity Cuts Adverse to Health

EU’s austerity measures negatively affect citizen’s health, is the result of a health study carried out by “The Lancet”. The Commission was supposed to examine the political effects.

March 27, 2013

Strikes Paralyze Poland

Protests against government’s changes in education, social and labor policy.

March 27, 2013

Romania: Slight Increase of GDP for 2012 at 0.1 % on Y/Y Comparison

Record decrease at 24.6 % in agriculture, industrial production better off with decrease of 2.4 %. The highest increase was recorded in IT and communication, services and health/social assistance.

March 6, 2013

Latvia: Drop in Industrial Productivity by 3.5 %

Data of the Central Statistical Bureau show that, in comparison with December 2012, industrial production in January 2013 has declined by 3.5 %

March 6, 2013