Vifor Pharma GmbH
Pharmaceutical Companies · München
Vifor Pharma GmbH is a pharmaceutical company based in München, Bavaria, Germany. The company operates in the German pharmaceutical market and is regulated by the BfArM (Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices).
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.
Vifor Pharma GmbH Address & Contact
Company profile
1930
Founded
2.000+ (Teil von CSL)
Employees
Vifor Pharma GmbH Overview
Vifor Pharma GmbH is the German subsidiary of the Swiss pharmaceutical company Vifor Pharma Ltd., which specializes in medications for the treatment of iron, kidney, and cardio-renal diseases. Since 2022, the company has been part of CSL Vifor, a component of the global CSL workforce that focuses on developing innovative therapies for serious conditions. The headquarters of the subsidiary is located in Munich, a city with a strong pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.
Iron Therapy, Nephrology, and Heart Failure
Vifor Pharma is particularly known for its product Ferinject (Ferric Carboxymaltose). This innovative preparation is administered intravenously for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia and has become indispensable in the therapy of patients with heart failure. The active ingredient promotes iron uptake by the body cells and improves overall physical performance. Another significant product is Venofer (Iron Sucrose), a parenteral iron preparation that is also used for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.
In the nephrology field, Vifor Pharma markets Mircera (Methoxy-Polyethylene Glycol-Epoetin beta), which is used for the treatment of renal anemia in chronic kidney disease. Mircera is an important therapeutic agent, as patients with chronic kidney disease often suffer from anemia, significantly impairing their quality of life. Additionally, the phosphate binder portfolio, especially Velphoro, is a centerpiece of Vifor's nephrology offering, playing an essential role in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in patients with kidney diseases.
Regulatory Classification and Market Access
Vifor Pharma operates in a highly regulated pharmaceutical market, meaning that all products are subject to strict approval processes. The medicines are approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as well as national regulatory authorities to ensure safety and efficacy. These regulatory requirements ensure that patients in Germany have access to high-quality and reliable therapies. Through close collaboration with medical societies and participation in clinical studies, Vifor Pharma can contribute to the improvement of treatment guidelines and develop innovative concepts in therapy.
Munich Location
Munich represents a strategically important location for Vifor Pharma. The city is not only a hub for the pharmaceutical industry but also home to numerous research institutions and universities engaged in biotechnology and pharmacy. Many companies leverage these advantages to establish partnerships with leading cardiologists, nephrologists, hematologists, and hospital pharmacies across Germany. Through this close contact, Vifor Pharma can ensure that their products optimally meet the needs of medical professionals and their patients.
Furthermore, the Munich location fosters exchange between various disciplines, leading to advancements in clinical research. Vifor Pharma actively participates in scientific conferences and training sessions to inform professionals about the latest therapeutic approaches and treatment strategies.
Special Features and Regional Importance
The products of Vifor Pharma have not only national but also international significance, as they contribute to improving the quality of life for patients with iron deficiency and kidney diseases. Due to demographic developments and the associated increase in chronic diseases, the challenge of adequately providing for these target groups is growing. Vifor Pharma demonstrates adaptability in its research and product development to meet the changing health needs and to offer innovative solutions.
More pharmaceutical companies in Germany | pharmaceutical companies in Munich | pharmaceutical companies in nephrology
Frequently asked questions about Vifor Pharma GmbH
What does Vifor Pharma GmbH do?
Vifor Pharma Deutschland GmbH stellt hauptsächlich Präparate gegen Eisenmangel her and forscht and develops also on dem Gebiet the Infektionskrankheiten. Die Präparate are ohne Rezept erhältlich and können oral or intravenös verabreicht are. Dazu stellt the Vifor Pharma also Schulungsunderlagen zur Verfügung.
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.