Three sites, one mission: How MSD Austria contributes to a global life sciences network

Austria is one of Europe’s leading life-sciences locations and offers companies a highly innovative environment. It is above all the combination of scientific excellence, regulatory stability and international connectivity that creates ideal conditions for research and development. Particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, with development cycles of up to 13 years, this predictability is a decisive factor in investment decisions. At the same time, companies benefit from highly qualified skilled professionals and an international working environment that facilitates cross-border collaboration. 

For globally active companies, the central location is a further key advantage: Austria provides access to markets across Europe and makes it easier to build international production and research networks. 

Following the industrial strategy that has already been published, the development of the life sciences strategy is, for MSD, a key factor in maintaining and further enhancing the location’s attractiveness.

MSD uses Austria as an integrated life-sciences location in which research, clinical trials and production are closely interlinked. The three sites in Vienna and Krems each take on distinct but complementary roles within the global network.

Austria plays a particularly significant role in clinical research: Each year, MSD conducts around 50 trials at roughly 80 centres, making it one of the most active players in Europe. At the same time, with an R&D intensity of around 25%, MSD is among the most research-intensive pharmaceutical locations in the country. Production, too, is being expanded continuously: In Vienna, animal health medicines are manufactured for more than 150 markets worldwide, while in Krems a state-of-the-art animal vaccine production operation is being expanded to help strengthen resilient supply chains. 

The Austrian Business Agency is Austria’s national investment promotion agency and supports international companies in their growth and expansion. It provides guidance on funding matters, facilitates contacts with relevant bodies and helps companies navigate Austria as a location. For companies like MSD, attracting international skilled professionals is particularly important. In this regard, the ABA provides targeted support to attract talent to Austria and strengthen the country’s position in the long term. Beyond this, the ABA acts as an important bridge-builder: It facilitates access to networks, supports complex decision-making processes and helps ensure that investments are implemented efficiently and successfully.