Vivatis Arzneimittel GmbH
Pharmaceutical Wholesale · Hamburg
Vivatis Arzneimittel GmbH is a pharmaceutical wholesaler based in Hamburg, Germany.
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Vivatis Arzneimittel GmbH Address & Contact
Vivatis Arzneimittel GmbH at a Glance
Vivatis Arzneimittel GmbH was founded in 2003 by a team of pharmaceutical professionals aiming to close a gap in the German pharmaceutical wholesale market. Through its specialization in parallel imports of medications within the European Union, the company has established itself as a reliable partner for pharmacies over the past two decades. This is particularly achieved through the import of high-quality, EU-approved original medications that are available at competitive prices in other European countries. Thanks to this business practice, Vivatis can offer a wide range of medications at competitive prices that meet the requirements of German legislation and satisfy customer needs.
Services and Products
The product range of Vivatis includes a variety of medications used for different therapeutic indications. These include, among others:
- Analgesics and antipyretics
- Antibiotics
- Immunotherapeutics
- Hormonal preparations
- Oncological drugs
By parallel importing these medications, Vivatis can provide pharmacies and hospital pharmacies not only with a cost-effective solution but also ensure that the medications meet the highest quality standards. The strict guidelines of Good Distribution Practice (GDP) and the approval according to § 52a of the Medicines Act (AMG) underscore the company's commitment to quality and safety. Each import process is carried out in compliance with legal regulations, ensuring the integrity and availability of the products.
Regulatory Classification and Significance
Vivatis Arzneimittel GmbH is registered as a pharmaceutical wholesaler in Germany and is thus subject to the strict requirements of the Medicines Act. This law regulates the conditions under which medications may be distributed in wholesale. Particularly, adherence to GDP rules ensures that the supply chain from production to dispensing at the pharmacy is transparent and traceable.
The activities of Vivatis are significant not only for pharmacies but also for healthcare in Germany as a whole. Through parallel imports, the company helps keep medication prices at a moderate level, thereby supporting patient access to necessary therapies. This role is particularly relevant in the context of demographic change and the increasing importance of cost-effective healthcare systems.
Location Hamburg
The Hamburg location plays a crucial role for Vivatis as the city is regarded as one of the largest trade centers in Europe. Numerous companies operating in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector are based in the Hanseatic city, which allows for close networking and active exchange of expert knowledge. The establishment of logistics providers as well as facilities for drug testing and approval ensures that Vivatis can quickly respond to market changes and that the supplied medications always meet the highest standards.
In summary, Vivatis Arzneimittel GmbH is not only a significant player in pharmaceutical wholesale but also makes a valuable contribution to the regional economy and healthcare provision in Germany.
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Frequently asked questions about Vivatis Arzneimittel GmbH
What is Vivatis Arzneimittel GmbH?
Vivatis Arzneimittel GmbH is a pharmaceutical wholesaler based in Hamburg. The company supplies pharmacies, clinics and other healthcare facilities with medicines and pharmaceutical products.
What products does Vivatis Arzneimittel GmbH distribute?
As a pharmaceutical wholesaler, Vivatis Arzneimittel GmbH supplies pharmacies and healthcare facilities with prescription and over-the-counter medicines, medical devices and other pharmaceutical articles to GDP standards.
How can I contact Vivatis Arzneimittel GmbH?
You can reach Vivatis Arzneimittel GmbH using the contact details provided on this page. More information can be found on the company's website.
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About Pharmaceutical Wholesale
Pharmaceutical wholesalers (Pharmagrosshandel) form the critical supply chain link between medicine manufacturers and authorised recipients such as pharmacies (Apotheken), hospitals (Krankenhäuser), medical practices and other licensed healthcare facilities. In Germany, the commercial distribution of medicinal products at wholesale level is a strictly regulated, licence-dependent activity. Every pharmaceutical wholesaler must hold a wholesale dealer authorisation (Großhandelserlaubnis) granted under Section 52a of the AMG (German Medicinal Products Act). This authorisation is issued by the pharmaceutical supervisory authority of the relevant German federal state and requires applicants to demonstrate suitable temperature-controlled storage premises, a documented quality management system, a qualified responsible person (verantwortliche Person), and ongoing compliance with the EU Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines. Full-line wholesalers (Vollsortimenter) stock virtually the entire range of authorised medicines available in Germany, whereas specialist wholesalers focus on particular therapeutic areas or logistics requirements such as cold chain products, controlled substances (Betäubungsmittel) or imported parallel-trade medicines. Nationwide, around 15 full-line wholesalers and over 100 specialist wholesalers collectively ensure comprehensive medicine supply to more than 18,000 pharmacies across the country. This directory lists all authorised pharmaceutical wholesalers in Germany holding a valid authorisation under Section 52a AMG, with addresses and full contact details.
The Role of Pharmaceutical Wholesale in Germany's Medicine Supply
Germany's pharmaceutical wholesale sector is the backbone of the country's medicine distribution system, ensuring that more than 18,000 pharmacies and thousands of hospitals receive their medicine supplies reliably, often within hours of ordering. The German wholesale model is built around a hub-and-spoke logistics system: large national full-line wholesalers (Vollsortimenter) operate central and regional warehouses that stock virtually the entire range of authorised medicines. From these warehouses, medicines are delivered to pharmacies typically two or three times per day by refrigerated vans. This high delivery frequency means that pharmacies can operate with lean stock levels while still being able to fill patient prescriptions on the same day. Germany's medicine supply chain performed robustly during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the resilience of its wholesale infrastructure. The three largest full-line wholesalers in Germany collectively hold a dominant market share, but they compete with each other and with smaller regional and specialist wholesalers.
Legal Requirements Under Section 52a AMG and EU GDP
Operating as a pharmaceutical wholesaler in Germany requires a wholesale dealer authorisation (Großhandelserlaubnis) granted by the competent pharmaceutical supervisory authority of the relevant German federal state under Section 52a of the AMG. This authorisation is not automatic and requires applicants to demonstrate compliance with a detailed set of prerequisites before trading can begin. The premises must be suitable for temperature-controlled storage, with validated temperature mapping studies for all storage areas. A documented quality management system (QMS) must be in place covering procurement, storage, pick and dispatch, complaints, returns, recalls, counterfeiting detection and self-inspections. A qualified responsible person (verantwortliche Person) with the relevant pharmaceutical or scientific qualifications must be designated and approved by the authority. After authorisation is granted, companies must comply with the EU GDP guidelines (EudraLex Volume 5), which are periodically updated. Inspections by the state pharmaceutical authority verify ongoing compliance.
Specialist Wholesale and Cold Chain Logistics in Germany
Beyond full-line wholesale, Germany has a developed specialist wholesale sector catering to specific product categories that require particular expertise or infrastructure. Cold chain wholesale is especially important for biological medicines including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, insulin and plasma-derived products, which must be stored and transported within defined temperature ranges (typically 2 to 8 degrees Celsius). Controlled substance (Betäubungsmittel) wholesale requires additional authorisation under the Betäubungsmittelgesetz (BtMG) and is subject to strict record-keeping and security requirements. Import wholesale specialises in parallel-imported medicines, sourcing products authorised in other EU member states at lower prices and relabelling them in accordance with German regulatory requirements. Specialty pharmacy wholesale focuses on high-value oncology drugs, immunosuppressants and rare disease treatments. Each of these specialist segments requires specific expertise, infrastructure and additional regulatory permissions beyond the standard Section 52a AMG authorisation.
Medicinal Product Supply Chain Security and Falsification Protection
The integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain is a central responsibility of pharmaceutical wholesale. Since February 2019, the EU Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) has been fully in force: every prescription medicinal product pack carries an individual 2D data matrix code, which is scanned and verified at the wholesaler and end recipient in the national verification database (in Germany: securPharm). Temperature-critical products, including biologics, insulins and vaccines, require an unbroken cold chain (2–8 °C or frozen), which the wholesaler ensures with validated cold stores, temperature-controlled transport and temperature monitoring. Controlled substances are additionally subject to the Narcotics Act (BtMG) with strict documentation requirements. Recall management and batch traceability in accordance with GDP guidelines are mandatory. Sanoliste identifies specialist wholesalers for cold chain, controlled substances and parallel import medicines separately.
What does a pharmaceutical wholesaler do?
Pharmaceutical wholesalers procure, store and distribute medicines to pharmacies, hospitals and other authorised recipients. In Germany, wholesale trade in medicines requires authorisation under Section 52a AMG.
What authorisation does a pharmaceutical wholesaler need?
A pharmaceutical wholesaler must hold authorisation under Section 52a of the AMG (German Medicinal Products Act). Requirements include suitable premises, a qualified responsible person and compliance with EU Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines.
How do I find an authorised pharmaceutical wholesaler in Germany?
Authorised pharmaceutical wholesalers are registered with the competent state authority under Section 52a AMG. Sanoliste lists all wholesalers with valid authorisation, including specialisations in cold chain logistics, controlled substances or imported medicines. Filter by federal state for a regional search.
How many pharmaceutical wholesalers are there in Germany?
Germany has approximately 15 full-line pharmaceutical wholesalers (Vollsortimenter) that stock the full range of authorised medicines and deliver to pharmacies nationwide, alongside more than 100 specialist wholesalers focusing on specific therapeutic areas, temperature-sensitive biologics or controlled substances. Together they supply over 18,000 pharmacies across the country.
What does EU Good Distribution Practice (GDP) require?
The EU GDP guidelines (2013/C 343/01) set out requirements for the proper distribution of medicinal products. For pharmaceutical wholesalers this includes maintaining appropriate temperature-controlled storage conditions (especially for cold-chain products), operating a documented quality management system, training qualified personnel, conducting supplier and customer qualification audits, maintaining full traceability records, and having procedures for handling suspected counterfeits, complaints and recalls.
Can a pharmaceutical wholesaler in Germany supply directly to patients?
No. In Germany, pharmaceutical wholesalers are not permitted to supply medicines directly to patients. They may only supply authorised recipients such as pharmacies, hospitals, medical practices (under specific conditions) and other licensed wholesalers. Patients must obtain prescription medicines through a pharmacy, which in turn sources its stock from authorised wholesalers or directly from manufacturers.
What is the difference between a pharmaceutical wholesaler and a medicine broker?
A pharmaceutical wholesaler physically holds medicines in stock, stores them and delivers to authorised recipients such as pharmacies and hospitals. They require a wholesale authorisation under § 52a AMG and must maintain GDP-compliant storage conditions. A medicine broker, by contrast, does not take possession of medicines but merely arranges transactions between manufacturers, wholesalers and buyers. Brokering activities are subject to registration under § 52b AMG.