The German Biotechnology Industry - Where Does it Stand Globally and What Are the Obstacles to Expansion?

By Dr Peter Heinrich, CEO of MediGene AG and Co-Founder and
Deputy Chairman of the Association of German Biotechnology Companies (VBU)

Dr Peter Heinrich studied Biology and Chemistry at the University of Munich. After receiving his doctorate in Biochemistry he worked from 1987 to 1988 as a postdoctoral scientist at Harvard University. Thereafter, he joined Wacker Chemicals - then a subsidiary of Hoechst AG - where he worked in different research and managerial positions. He left Wacker in 1995 to co-found MediGene GmbH and became its Chief Executive. In 1996 he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of MediGene AG. Since January 2001 Peter has also been President and Chief Executive Officer of the newly acquired MediGene Inc., San Diego (US).
In addition, Peter is a Co-Founder and Deputy Chairman of the Association of German Biotechnology Companies (VBU); a member of the executive board of the 'Gesellschaft fьr Chemische Technik und Biotechnologie e.V.' (DECHEMA); he serves on the board of the Emerging Biopharmaceutical Enterprises (EBE); and is an active member of the Bavarian Elite Academy.