Wörwag Pharma celebrates 25th anniversary in Slovakia

Important Milestones and Challenges

Since its founding by Dr. Fritz Wörwag in the 1980s and 1990s, Wörwag Pharma has boldly expanded into Eastern European markets. "The first important milestone is undoubtedly the fact that our founder, Dr. Fritz Wörwag, had the courage to expand into Eastern European markets, which today form the most stable pillar of the entire company," says Frzonová. A standout year was 2009, when the Slovak branch doubled its field staff and introduced two new product lines. "I am particularly proud that in 2015 we internally merged with our Czech branch and have been operating as a successful cluster headquartered in Bratislava for almost ten years," she adds.

Market Entry and Development

The market entry into Slovakia took place ten years after the fall of communism, during a time of market instability and low purchasing power. "It was a time of market instability, relatively low purchasing power, and we also struggled with the dogma that healthcare, including medication, should be available without direct financial burden," recalls Frzonová. Today, the markets are integrated into the European Union, which brings both advantages and higher costs. A strong corporate culture, transparency, and communication are crucial for the success of Wörwag Pharma.
 

Current Market Situation and Strategic Steps

The pharmaceutical industry in Slovakia and the Czech Republic is facing increasingly stringent regulatory challenges and price pressures. "We are confronted with increasingly stringent regulatory frameworks, particularly in the areas of new drug approvals, monitoring their safety, and complying with environmental standards," explains Frzonová. The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the sector. Wörwag Pharma has increased production capacities and optimized the supply chain by acquiring two production companies to meet the increased demand.

Global Strategy and Local Needs

Wörwag Pharma follows the motto "good karma instead of Big Pharma" and relies on strong local teams that understand the specific needs of the markets and can operate autonomously. "Global consistency is important, but not absolute. We have strong local teams that understand the specific needs of the market and still have a sufficient degree of autonomy," emphasizes Frzonová.

Talent Management and Future Vision

With a turnover rate of less than five percent and an average employment duration of twelve years, Wörwag Pharma relies on a strong corporate culture. "I am personally very proud that the turnover rate in our country has long been below five percent and the average employment duration is twelve years," says Frzonová. In the next five to ten years, the company plans to launch new drugs and improve well-known brands.

Advice for Young Women in Leadership Positions

Lucia Frzonová emphasizes the importance of authentic leadership and continuous learning. "The pharmaceutical sector is highly competitive and dynamic, and those who want to be successful in it must be as well," she says. "I consider genuine, authentic leadership, which is rather an exception today, to be crucial. Women in leadership positions can still face prejudices, so it is important to communicate professionally and constructively."