Extension for head of Germany’s VFA

Germany's trade body for the pharmaceutical industry the VFA has extended the leadership of its chief executive Birgit Fischer.

Fischer will remain as head of the VFA until 2019 having already served in the role for four years.

She has led the industry voice during an unsettled time for pharma in Germany with many companies critical of the AMNOG system of drug reimbursement introduced in 2010, which has seen several drugs denied market access in the country.

The contract extension is a sign of confidence in Fischer from the VFA, which represents 44 companies from over 100 locations in the country.

Dr Hagen Pfundner, chairman of the board of the VFA said: "We are delighted to be able to continue with Birgit Fischer and her holistic view of the healthcare industry."

Fischer has experience in both the public and private healthcare sector. This includes a spell as CEO of health insurance firm Barmer GEK and as health minister for the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany.

Outlining her priorities for the next four years she said: "If we want to use the potential of the research-based pharmaceutical company correctly in healthcare and global competition, Germany needs an industrial and employment model that has innovation at the centre."