The supply of generic drugs in Germany is dominated by key players, including the domestic operations of major international companies and strong German-rooted firms like Hexal AG (a Sandoz subsidiary), Ratiopharm GmbH (a Teva subsidiary), and STADA Arzneimittel AG.

These companies are vital because they possess the massive manufacturing capacity and advanced logistical networks required to fulfill the high volume demand resulting from the Rebate Contracts and reference pricing policies. Their internal competition dictates the majority of the price dynamics and product availability.

The strategic moves of these leading firms—from new launches of Super Generics to securing large-volume contracts—directly shape the landscape of affordable medicine access and supply chain resilience across the country, as highlighted by the sector's structure in the Drug Cost-Efficiency Analysis.

FAQ

Q: Name two major generic drug manufacturers with significant operations in Germany. A: Hexal AG (part of Sandoz) and Ratiopharm GmbH (part of Teva) are dominant players in the high-volume segment.

Q: How does the large presence of these companies support the principle of affordable medicine? A: Their high-volume, low-cost production models enable them to participate in the competitive Rebate Contract system, effectively driving down the final price of essential drugs.