Report to Society 2025 (English version)

2025: a year marked by unprecedented challenges and decisive choices.
Armed conflicts, budgetary restrictions and new rules imposed by economic partners are putting Belgium under severe pressure. For the first time in years, we are seeing a decline in key areas such as employment, patent applications, investment in research and development, and exports.

The choices we make today will determine our future. The time has come to show vision and determination. Our country is facing important choices.

pharma.be represents innovative biopharmaceutical companies in Belgium and responsibly fosters a supportive business environment. The aim is to ensure that patients have optimal access to therapeutic innovation. In this way, we also contribute to improving the Belgian healthcare system.

Together, the pharma.be member companies hold strong positions in Europe in every key aspect of the biopharmaceutical value chain, from R&D and clinical trials to production, market introduction and distribution of medicines. This is thanks to a unique combination of a well-developed ecosystem, a highly skilled workforce, and strong collaboration with public authorities and research centres.

In this chapter, we first look at the added value the innovative biopharmaceutical sector creates for patients, the healthcare system, and society through the new medicines and vaccines it develops and brings to market. we have selected four striking examples and also examine the importance of value-based pricing for these innovations.

Our sector is also a cornerstone of Belgium’s knowledge economy, as shown by the strong figures on employment, exports, production, added value, and investment in 2024. this is further illustrated by the positive cost–benefit analysis of our sector for the Belgian government.

The sector plays a vital role in safeguarding something particularly precious: our health and quality of life. pharma.be takes this responsibility very seriously. Since pharma.be was founded, its members have adhered to strict ethical principles that go far beyond the minimum legal requirements. Care, integrity, respect and fairness are the guiding principles.