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According to new stability evidence assessed by Swissmedic, (the Swiss surveillance authority for medicines and medical devices) the COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer/BioNTech efficacy can be assured for up to two weeks when stored at -25 to -15 degrees Celsius (freezer temperature). This is a critical factor for the Swiss vaccine rollout programme, enabling the vaccines to be available in health centres, medical practices and pharmacies throughout Switzerland. This increase in the elasticity and adaptability of the distribution as well as the handling and management of the vaccine - is likely to help increase Switzerland's vaccination rate.

As part of the ongoing global battle against the coronavirus, the Federal Council of the Swiss Government has approved a new ordinance designed to avoid issues regarding the supply of important medical goods. Swissmedic now has the ability to approve the import of essentially identical medicinal products as a short-term solution for any temporary shortage of medicinal products. Medical treatments such as Remdesivir and Propofol are among the active substances included under the Covid-19 Ordinance, with goods being allocated based on their respective availability, via the department for the Federal Office of Public Health, who are responsible for procuring these types of medical goods.

In Switzerland, the biotech sector is one of the most innovative, with more than 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups working on novel therapies (drugs, diagnostics, and vaccines) all providing services in these sectors. The industry generated about 50,000 high-paying jobs and spends around CHF 1.5 billion on the research and development of new therapeutic solutions each year. With this in mind, it's no surprise that Switzerland is able to offer extensive opportunities to medical professionals who are looking to further their careers as well as a diverse collection of world-leading organisations looking to recruit top-talent.

Switzerland is leading the way in the development of new technology to help the early detection of cancer based on the use of a new innovative biomarker and liquid biopsy. After clinical trials, the product has demonstrated an unprecedented potential in successfully identifying early lung, prostate and breast cancer diagnoses. The Swiss start-up, 4D Lifetec AG, is an example of the trailblazing aptitude that the Swiss research and development sector has, which will ultimately have immense benefits for public health across the globe.

2021 is set to be an exciting time for the recruitment industry when it comes to life sciences, with research and development providing new and impressive medical treatments and therapies. In Switzerland, AC Immune SA with their partners Janssen Pharmaceutical of Johnson & Johnson, have announced positive interim results from its clinical trials into a vaccine for Alzheimer's disease. Biospace expressed that the vaccine demonstrated a potent antigen-specific antibody response against phosphorylated tau in 100% of older patients with early Alzheimer's disease.

During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, Switzerland has made an important and effective contribution to the global solution. The Swiss biotech industry has worked closely with leading research laboratories, hospitals, diagnostic companies, drug manufacturers and multinational pharmaceutical companies in an effort to fight back against the virus. The pandemic has shown how much damage can be caused by the uncontrollable spread of pathogens, but it has also exemplified the way in which research capacities and platform technologies can be used to quickly respond to new medical demands and the need for the new development of effective treatments.

Medical communications professionals have proven themselves to be vital within the life sciences sector. By conducting services from strategy planning and development to expert engagement and management or medical education, they play a critical role in ensuring that health care professionals remain up to date on best practice and the latest developments within the medical field.

The Swissmedic recent authorisation of the Modern COVID-19 vaccine, following a thorough review of all the submitted data on safety, efficacy and, quality, comes as a beacon of hope as we enter a new year.

There is a huge amount of money spent every year on drug research and development and clinical trials. Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development has estimated the cost of bringing medicine from invention to pharmacy shelves at around $2.7bn.

Clinical jobs are vitally important to the life sciences industry in Zurich and across Switzerland. Clinical development professionals work in every stage of the process to bring new drugs or medical devices to the market.