We have entered an acceleration of research and are on the verge of a pharmaceutical renaissance. We’re going to see innovative things that we’ve never seen before, said Albert Bourla, chairman and CEO of Pfizer, during his speech at the 28th Annual Economist Government Roundtable.

There are significant advances in biology and technology that are being enhanced by Artificial Intelligence.

Pfizer, he said, is testing billions of molecules in order to discover drugs that are safer and more effective and in a much shorter period of time than in the past.

Mr. Bourla expressed his optimism about scientific developments and referred to Pfizer’s efforts in the field of cancer which have doubled, saying that they will “provide solutions that we have never had before.”

He added that they are expected important developments for lung, bladder, colon, and blood malignancies.

Pfizer also focuses on vaccine development and is developing new vaccines for pediatric use. As he said, the goal is the development of vaccines for diseases, which until now has not been possible.

We need to understand, he said, what saved us in the pandemic, and that was science in the hands of the private sector that worked exceptionally well with members of the academic community and regulators. This must be continued and developed, he underlined.

Regarding the geopolitical situation Mr. Bourla said that the pharmaceutical industry has a kind of “immunity” from these crises. Medicines, he said, are exempt from trade wars and barriers.

Greece is an admirable country

Regarding Greece’s position in the innovation ecosystem, Mr. Bourla said that “Greece is an admirable country. It has scientists who, if given the opportunity, can work on big projects.”

He referred to Pfizer’s Digital Innovation Center in Thessaloniki, which initially planned to develop a hub of 200 specialized scientists and has now exceeded 1,000.

“We found talented people who work hard and we are very satisfied.”

He also noted that Greece in the EU is a key supporter of innovation, which for the pharmaceutical industry is extremely important.

“It’s important to have governments that understand the value of innovation. They understand what is required for innovation to develop and what are the conditions for it to develop,” he concluded.