Bristol-Myers Squibb GmbH & Co. KGaA
Pharmaceutical Companies · München
Bristol-Myers Squibb GmbH & Co. KGaA is the German subsidiary of US-amerikanischen Pharmaunternehmens mit Schwerpunkt auf Onkologie, based in München.
Content in German
The detailed company information on this page is provided in the original German language. You can use your browser's built-in translation feature to view it in English.
Right-click on the page and select "Translate to English" or use the translation icon in your browser's address bar.
Bristol-Myers Squibb GmbH & Co. KGaA Address & Contact
Company profile
1989
Founded
35.000+
Employees
Bristol-Myers Squibb GmbH & Co. KGaA Overview
Bristol-Myers Squibb GmbH & Co. KGaA is the German subsidiary of Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in New York (USA). BMS was established in 1989 through the merger of Bristol-Myers Company (founded 1887) and Squibb Corporation (founded 1858). This merger was groundbreaking in the history of the pharmaceutical industry and enabled BMS to emerge as one of the most innovative companies in biopharmaceutical research. In 2019, BMS acquired Celgene for approximately 74 billion US dollars, one of the largest pharmaceutical mergers in history. Currently, BMS employs around 35,000 employees worldwide, with the German branch in Munich playing a key role in the national market by providing a variety of therapeutic solutions for patients.
Field of Activity & Products
Bristol-Myers Squibb specializes in the therapeutic areas of oncology, immunology, cardiovascular diseases, and hematology. Within oncology, BMS is considered a pioneer in immunotherapy: Opdivo (Nivolumab) and Yervoy (Ipilimumab) were the first approved checkpoint inhibitors (Anti-PD-1 and Anti-CTLA-4) and have revolutionized the treatment of cancer. These therapies demonstrate how the immune system can be mobilized to fight tumors and create new possibilities for patients with advanced cancer.
Other key products of the company include Eliquis (Apixaban), an anticoagulant developed in collaboration with Pfizer, for the treatment of atrial fibrillation and the prevention of venous thrombosis. The acquisition of Celgene brought products like Revlimid (Lenalidomid) and Pomalyst (Pomalidomid), which are central to the treatment of multiple myeloma. Additionally, Sprycel (Dasatinib) is an important medication for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
Research & Regulation
BMS invests significant funds in research and development, particularly in immuno-oncology. With patient needs at the forefront, the company places great importance on identifying new treatment options and methods. The extensive clinical pipeline is constantly being expanded to develop innovative therapeutic options that correspond to the latest scientific findings. All products are subject to strict regulatory requirements, which are monitored by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) as well as the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
BMS is also an active member of the Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (vfa), highlighting the company’s commitment to quality, transparency, and patient care in Germany. Membership allows for exchanges with other leading companies in the industry and promotes joint research projects as well as public initiatives to improve healthcare.
Regional Importance
The presence of Bristol-Myers Squibb in Munich has particular regional significance, not only for employment but also for healthcare in Germany and beyond. The branch is actively involved in various initiatives for training medical professionals and educating the public about the latest developments in cancer treatment. Furthermore, BMS promotes collaboration with local research institutions to support knowledge transfer and accelerate innovations at the regional level.
Special Features
Another distinctive feature of BMS is its strategic focus on personalized medicine. The company pursues initiatives to develop individual therapies based on patients' genetic information to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of treatments. Additionally, BMS has formed numerous partnerships with technology companies and startups to explore new digital health solutions that can facilitate patient access to information and improve treatment adherence.
More information: Pharmaceutical companies in Bavaria or all pharmaceutical companies in Germany on Sanoliste.
Frequently asked questions about Bristol-Myers Squibb GmbH & Co. KGaA
What does Bristol-Myers Squibb do?
Brisol-Myers Squibb GmbH & Co. KGaA develops therapeutische Lösungen for people with schweren Erkrankungen wie Krebs, Herz-Kreislon-Beschare, HIV and Hepatitis-C-Infektionen. Mit Zelltherapie and Proteinhomöostase sucht sie neue Therapieansätze for eine still bessere Medikation.
More Pharmaceutical Companies in München
Pharmaceutical Companies in Germany
Related areas in healthcare
Pharmaceutical Companies by location
About Pharmaceutical Companies
Germany is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical nations, home to more than 1,000 pharmaceutical businesses employing approximately 130,000 people (vfa 2023). Companies operating in this sector develop, manufacture and distribute medicines across the entire value chain, from early-stage research and clinical trials through to market authorisation and commercial distribution. In Germany, every manufacturer of medicinal products must hold a manufacturing authorisation (Herstellungserlaubnis) issued under Section 13 of the AMG (Arzneimittelgesetz, Germany's Medicinal Products Act). Medicines may only be placed on the market after receiving approval from either BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, Germany's Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, broadly comparable to the FDA in the United States or the MHRA in the United Kingdom) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA) via the centralised procedure. All manufacturing sites are subject to regular GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) inspections carried out by the competent pharmaceutical supervisory authority of the relevant German federal state. The sector covers prescription-only medicines (Rx), non-prescription OTC products, generics, biosimilars and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This directory lists pharmaceutical manufacturers, marketers and licence holders across all German federal states with full contact details, addresses and phone numbers.
Germany's Pharmaceutical Industry
Germany is consistently ranked among the top five pharmaceutical markets worldwide, generating annual revenues exceeding EUR 50 billion and accounting for the largest share of pharmaceutical production in continental Europe. The industry is represented by two major associations: vfa (Verband Forschender Arzneimittelhersteller), which represents research-based companies, and BAH (Bundesverband der Arzneimittel-Hersteller), which represents the broader manufacturer base including OTC and self-medication products. German pharmaceutical companies cover the full spectrum from global innovator corporations and mid-sized specialty manufacturers to generic producers and biotech firms. The country is a world leader in active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production, biologics manufacturing and pharmaceutical chemistry. Key therapeutic areas of strength include oncology, cardiovascular medicine, immunology, neuroscience and rare diseases. Germany also serves as a significant export hub, with pharmaceutical products among the country's leading export categories. The sector benefits from a highly skilled workforce, world-class university research institutions and a dense network of research hospitals (Universitätsklinika) that facilitate clinical trial activity.
Regulatory Framework: BfArM, EMA and the AMG
The legal foundation for pharmaceutical activity in Germany is the Arzneimittelgesetz (AMG, German Medicinal Products Act), which regulates the authorisation, manufacture, import, distribution, labelling and pharmacovigilance of medicinal products. For English-speaking readers unfamiliar with the German regulatory landscape: BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte) is the national competent authority responsible for approving medicines marketed only in Germany, supervising narcotics, and maintaining the pharmacovigilance database. BfArM is a higher federal authority (Bundesoberbehörde) subordinate to the Federal Ministry of Health (Bundesministerium für Gesundheit). For medicines approved via the centralised EU procedure, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) grants a single marketing authorisation valid in all 27 EU member states. Germany is also home to the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut (PEI), a second federal authority that specifically handles biological medicines including vaccines, blood products and gene therapy products. Manufacturing sites are inspected by state-level pharmaceutical supervisory authorities (Landesbehörden) to verify GMP compliance, with findings entered into the EudraGMDP database operated by the EMA.
Regional Pharmaceutical Clusters in Germany
Germany's pharmaceutical industry is geographically distributed across several major regional clusters. The Rhine-Main area around Frankfurt and Leverkusen in North Rhine-Westphalia is home to some of Germany's largest pharmaceutical sites, including facilities belonging to global corporations with long histories in German chemistry and pharmaceuticals. Bavaria (particularly Munich, Penzberg and Marburg) is a second major hub, especially strong in biotechnology and biologics production. Baden-Württemberg, including cities such as Mannheim, Heidelberg and Biberach an der Riss, is home to several significant research-based manufacturers. Hamburg and the northern German region have a cluster of specialty and generic manufacturers. Berlin has a growing biotech scene connected to its research universities and the Charité hospital. Hesse is notable for its proximity to Frankfurt's logistics infrastructure and several major API manufacturers. Smaller but significant clusters exist in Saxony (Leipzig, Dresden) and Lower Saxony, benefiting from proximity to university research centres and historically established chemical industry sites.
Drug Classes and Product Segments
German pharmaceutical companies cover all major drug classes. Prescription (Rx) products account for the largest share of revenue; generics manufacturers such as Stada, ratiopharm (Teva) and Hexal produce chemically equivalent alternatives after patent expiry, significantly reducing costs for the healthcare system. Biologics and biosimilars are gaining ground rapidly: monoclonal antibodies, insulin analogues and recombinant growth factors require specialised biotech manufacturing facilities. OTC products (over-the-counter), i.e. medicines available without a prescription, represent a multi-billion-euro market served by companies such as Bayer Consumer Health, Stada and Klosterfrau. Homeopathic preparations, herbal medicines and dietary supplements form further regulated segments. Digitalisation is increasingly shaping the sector: Digital Health Applications (DiGA) have been reimbursable since 2020, and AI-assisted drug development is significantly shortening time-to-market.
What does a pharmaceutical company do?
Pharmaceutical companies develop, produce and distribute medicines. They cover the entire value chain from research and clinical trials through to market launch and distribution. In Germany, they are supervised by BfArM (the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, comparable to the FDA or MHRA).
How are pharmaceutical companies regulated in Germany?
Pharmaceutical companies in Germany must hold a manufacturing authorisation under Section 13 of the AMG (German Medicinal Products Act). All authorised medicines require approval from either BfArM or the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Regular GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) inspections ensure quality standards are maintained.
Where can I find contact details for pharmaceutical companies in Germany?
Industry associations such as vfa (Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies) and BPI (Federal Association of the German Pharmaceutical Industry) maintain member directories. Many companies also list their key contacts directly on their websites. Sanoliste provides a searchable directory of pharmaceutical companies in Germany sorted by federal state and city.
How many pharmaceutical companies are there in Germany?
Germany is home to more than 1,000 pharmaceutical companies employing approximately 130,000 people, according to vfa (the Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies) 2023 data. The sector includes multinational corporations, mid-sized specialty firms, generic manufacturers and biotech startups.
What is BfArM and what does it regulate?
BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte) is Germany's Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices. It is a higher federal authority within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Health and is responsible for approving medicines for the German market, monitoring drug safety (pharmacovigilance), regulating narcotics and controlled substances, and overseeing medical devices in Germany. It is broadly comparable to the FDA in the United States or the MHRA in the United Kingdom.
What is the difference between BfArM approval and EMA approval?
Medicines in Germany can be approved through two main routes. BfArM grants national marketing authorisations valid in Germany, or decentralised and mutual recognition procedure approvals valid in multiple EU states. The EMA (European Medicines Agency) grants centralised marketing authorisations valid in all 27 EU member states simultaneously, typically used for innovative biologic medicines, oncology drugs and products for rare diseases.
What does GMP mean in the context of German pharmaceutical manufacturing?
GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practice. In Germany and the EU, GMP compliance is a legal requirement for all pharmaceutical manufacturers under the AMG and the EU GMP Guidelines (EudraLex Volume 4). GMP covers all aspects of production including premises, equipment, personnel qualification, process validation, documentation and quality control. Compliance is verified by regular inspections from the competent state pharmaceutical supervisory authority.