Pharmaceutical industry
The Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, presented the Profarma Plan, reaffirming the Government's commitment to a sector that contributes 2% to GDP. The initiative aims to boost investment, skilled employment, and the export capacity of the Spanish pharmaceutical industry.
The Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, Presented the Profarma Plan, a key tool to strengthen the competitiveness of the pharmaceutical industry in EspañaThe plan, which in its 2025 edition has benefited 43 of the 54 participating companies, seeks to boost productive investment, innovation and the export capacity of the sector.
The event, held at the Ministerio de Industria y Turismo, has served to underline the strategic value of an industry that already generates added value equivalent to 2% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and stands as one of the main drivers of innovation in the Spanish economy. The presentation comes in the context of the recent approval of the Pharmaceutical Industry Strategy 2024-2028consolidating long-term institutional support.
A strategic commitment to innovation and national GDP
During his speech, the Minister Jordi Hereu has reaffirmed the commitment of Gobierno with the pharmaceutical sector. He highlighted the importance of continuing to promote productive investment and public-private collaboration to position España as a European leader in the production and development of medicines. "It is essential to consolidate our leadership, while also contributing to ensuring the sustainability of the healthcare system and patients' access to innovative treatments," the minister stated.
The event highlighted the crucial role Profarma has played for over three decades. The program has been a catalyst for industrial investment, research, the creation of highly skilled jobs, and, notably, for strengthening the export capacity of pharmaceutical companies based in the country.
Analysis of the past and future of the sector in two discussion panels
The institutional meeting included two roundtables with the participation of high-ranking government officials, pharmaceutical company executives, and experts from the scientific community. The first, entitled "PROFARMA, more than three decades promoting medicine in Spain", analyzed the historical trajectory of the program and its direct impact on attracting investment and developing R&D&I activities, which have positioned España as a key pharmaceutical hub in Europa.
The second panel, entitled “Profarma: Public-Private Collaboration for the Future of Medicines ,” focused on upcoming challenges. Topics of paramount importance to the international business were addressed, such as European strategic autonomy , the development of advanced therapies, the digital transformation of the sector, and the strengthening of supply chains. The panelists agreed on the need for closer cooperation between government agencies, companies, research centers, and biotechnology startups to meet these challenges.
Profarma Plan 2025 in Figures
| Concept | Figure |
|---|---|
| Companies participating in the 2025 edition | 54 |
| Companies benefiting from the 2025 edition | 43 |
| Contribution of the sector to the national GDP | 2% |
What is the Profarma Plan and how does it work?
El Profarma Plan It is a joint initiative of the ministries of Industry and Tourism, Health, and Science, Innovation and UniversitiesIts main objective is to encourage excellence among pharmaceutical companies operating in España through the evaluation of several strategic aspects. Criteria include industrial capacity, investment in R&D&I, creation of quality jobs, contribution to exports, and sustainability efforts. Based on their performance, companies receive a rating that allows them to access reductions in their contributions to the Sistema Nacional de Salud.
Key points and frequently asked questions about the Profarma Plan and its impact in Spain
How does the Profarma Plan affect the competitiveness of my pharmaceutical exporting company?
The plan directly incentivizes export activity by considering it a key evaluation criterion. Companies with a strong international focus receive a better rating, which translates into economic benefits (reduced contributions to the SNSThis frees up resources that can be reinvested in expansion into new markets, innovation, and improving production capacity.
What are the consequences of this plan for the strategic autonomy of Spain and Europe?
By encouraging industrial investment and local production of medicines, the Profarma Plan contributes to strengthening health sovereignty of España and, by extension, of EuropaA robust national industry reduces dependence on third countries for the supply of essential medicines, strengthening supply chains and the capacity to respond to future global health crises.
What criteria must a pharmaceutical company meet to benefit from the Profarma Plan?
To be eligible, a company must demonstrate excellence in areas such as industrial investment in production plants in España, significant activity in R&D&I, the generation of stable and highly qualified employment, a positive contribution to the trade balance through exports, and a commitment to sustainability and the ecological transition.
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