About

Novartis, since 2012 the world’s largest pharmaceutical company, is subject to all issues arising out of the tender procedures for patented medicine rebate contracts, both in the area of generic drugs and vaccines – a major legal challenge. Not surprising, Andreas Schillack, as country head of legal and compliance, has over the past years been involved in ‘nearly every significant and landmark tendering and review proceedings’, while observers point out that under his guidance his company has been ‘the only pharmaceutical company that has reacted with a long-term strategy to the tender procedures of public health funds’. Internally he has particularly been advocating the ‘increased function of the legal and compliance team as strategic business partner’ that ‘develops a focus on pro-active advice, well beyond the mere solving of current problems’. Notable highlights in his career have been the successful defence against law suits which were directed against some of the company’s most vital pharmaceutical patents, as well as the ‘setting up, structuring and strengthening of legal and compliance function in a national and international context’. He enjoys tackling ‘numerous legal structuring options in a commercial context and develop solutions’. Lawyers are being actively incorporated into the team and the business ‘to guarantee bespoke advice’. ‘Both sides need to be prepared to take this step’.