Strategy& Insider Episode 44 - Expanding access to essential medicines

Strategy& Insider Episode 44 - Expanding access to essential medicines

From Strategy& Insider by Thomas Solbach, Ghioia Irritier, Jan-Philipp Loch

March 19, 2026 · 37 min · Episode 44

About this episode

Isabell Remus discusses the complexities of making essential medicines accessible and affordable post-regulatory approval.

What does it take to get a life-changing medicine from regulatory approval to the patient who needs it? Isabell Remus, Global Head of Biosimilars at Sandoz, reveals why being approved and affordable isn't enough – and how the biosimilar industry learned that trust and education must come before market access. With $320 billion in biologic medicines losing patent exclusivity over the next decade, she explores the strategic complexities of launching at the exact moment a patent expires, the role of diversified manufacturing in strengthening supply chain resilience, and why expanding access to essential medications requires both purpose and commercial viability. An eye-opening conversation on making affordable healthcare a reality for millions of patients worldwide.

People in this episode

Hosts: Thomas Solbach, Ghioia Irritier, Jan-Philipp Loch

Guest: Isabell Remus

Topics covered

  • access to medicines
  • biosimilars
  • healthcare
  • regulatory approval
  • supply chain resilience
  • affordable healthcare

Keywords

  • essential medicines
  • biosimilars
  • healthcare access
  • patent exclusivity
  • supply chain
  • affordability
  • biologic medicines

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Sandoz, biosimilar industry, biologic medicines

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