Monday, March 23, 2026

Christopher Kirsch appointed chair of Pro Biosimilars

The Pro Biosimilars working group has elected a new leadership team. On 19 March 2026, Dr. Christopher Kirsch, Head of Market Access at Sandoz/Hexal, was appointed chair. He succeeds Walter Röhrer (Biogen), who led the group for the past four years.

Dominic Fister (STADAPHARM) has taken over as deputy chair.

Policy decisions seen as key for the coming years

The leadership change comes at a time when biosimilars are becoming increasingly relevant for statutory health insurance in Germany, from the manufacturers’ perspective. With a growing share of biologics among new approvals, competitive biosimilar markets are expected to play a larger role in maintaining access to therapies and affordability.

Call for reliable framework conditions

Pro Biosimilars is calling for predictable political conditions to provide planning certainty for biosimilar development and market access. The group also emphasises the need to strengthen competition, patient access and diversified supply chains, while supporting Europe as a pharmaceutical location over the long term.

Background

Kirsch holds a doctorate in pharmacy and has been responsible for Market Access at Sandoz Germany since 2018.