2019 performance: stronger foundation to absorb global effects of COVID-19 pandemic

Boehringer Ingelheim has stepped up its efforts in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The company is offering support and relief through multiple initiatives under its Global Support Program, backed by strong business performance in previous years, including 2019. This strong basis also allows the company to maintain its investment levels to ensure further discovery, development, production and supply of highly innovative medicines that are needed by patients around the globe.

“As a research-driven pharmaceutical company, Boehringer Ingelheim is an active partner in the global movement to fight COVID-19. We are pleased that our business performance last year allows us to contribute to finding solutions to combat the virus,” said Hubertus von Baumbach, Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors. “At the same time, we remain fully dedicated to reliable drug supply. And we are also working hard to minimize the impact of the pandemic on our global research and development programs. These are extraordinary times, but they make us acutely aware of our purpose to serve where the medical need is high.”

Boehringer Ingelheim actively engages in the fight against COVID-19 through Global Support Program

Millions of patients around the world are dependent on the company’s medicines. Boehringer Ingelheim is doing everything possible to keep production for all medications running and to secure delivery. This also includes the supply of treatments to pet and livestock owners for their animals.

Over the past decades, Boehringer Ingelheim has gained considerable knowledge in various therapeutic areas, such as respiratory diseases and virology. Building on this know-how and experience, the company is engaged in several activities to find medical solutions to the pandemic, together with academic researchers, public institutions, international consortia, and other members of the biopharma industry.

Scientists at Boehringer Ingelheim are currently searching for novel virus-neutralizing antibodies. The company is screening its entire molecule library for compounds that could target the virus. Furthermore, Boehringer Ingelheim actively participates with its COVID-19 projects in several research consortia, the Innovative Medicines Initiative of the European Union and an initiative led by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, for example.

Besides the significant research contribution, other elements of the Global Support Program include a EUR 5.8 million donations fund, paid leave for its 51,000 employees to volunteer for COVID-19 relief, and a EUR 580,000 relief fund for social entrepreneurs and their communities in Kenya and India, supported by the company through its Making More Health program.

Strong performance in 2019 strengthens capital base

The COVID-19 Global Support Program follows a strong business performance in 2019. Adjusted for currency effects, net sales increased by 5.7% year on year to EUR 19 billion. To drive long-term growth, Research and Development (R&D) investments increased by 9.4% to nearly EUR 3.5 billion, or 18.2% of net sales, mainly driven by new products and pipeline advances in existing projects.

High liquidity and equity base 

In 2019, the company invested a record EUR 1.1 billion (2018: EUR 950 million) in fixed assets. Operating income at the Boehringer Ingelheim Group level rose by around 9% to EUR 3.8 billion, while net income after tax increased to EUR 2.7 billion (2018: EUR 2.1 billion). Cash flow from operating activities increased by EUR 356 million to EUR 3.3 billion. At the end of 2019, the equity ratio was at 44% (2018: 40%).

“Our solid capital base has allowed us to shield our operations and workforce from the impact of COVID-19,” said Michael Schmelmer, Member of the Board of Managing Directors with responsibility for Finance and Group Functions. “We are seeing the fruits of our past investments into our IT infrastructure and digital technology. Nearly 40,000 of our employees have been able to work uninterrupted from home. We can be in contact with physicians through our online platforms. And we can offer veterinarians to diagnose pets remotely through our PetPro digital platform in the US. In times where social distancing is so important, we are digitally close to our colleagues, our customers and our partners.”

Human Pharma – Strong growth across all regions 

The Human Pharma business was the company’s main growth driver in 2019. At EUR 14 billion, human pharmaceuticals grew by 8.0% (currency-adjusted) and made up 74% of total net sales. All regions contributed to the strong results in Human Pharma. Medicines against respiratory diseases, as well as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases remain the most important contributors to net sales. For the first time, JARDIANCE^®, a medicine for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, which also reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases for patients with type 2 diabetics with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, was the biggest revenue contributor in Human Pharmaceuticals.

Strong R&D investment in Human Pharma

R&D investments in the Human Pharma business amounted to EUR 3 billion or 21.8% of its net sales. There are some 100 projects across all phases of the research process. The goal is for 75% of these projects to be either the first molecule in their active ingredient class or in a new therapeutic area. The focus of R&D in Human Pharma lies on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, oncology, respiratory, immunology, diseases of the central nervous system and retinal health.
 

Animal Health – Solid results in a highly competitive market

The Animal Health business of Boehringer Ingelheim is one of the largest providers of veterinary vaccines and medicines and has a strong presence in the livestock and pets segments. While net sales increased in the pets segment, sales in the swine segment were negatively impacted by the outbreak of African swine fever, especially in China. Overall, the Animal Health business delivered a solid performance in a highly competitive market with net sales of EUR 4 billion in 2019 (-0.7% adjusted for currency effects). The antiparasitics portfolio performed strongly in 2019 and is an important category for the business. NEXGARD^® was the best-selling product, with net sales of EUR 740 million (+17.1% year on year and adjusted for currency effects).
 

Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing – One of the leading providers in the industry

Boehringer Ingelheim is one of the leading manufacturers of biopharmaceuticals. 70% of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies and innovative biotech firms are clients of Boehringer Ingelheim’s Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing business, known under the brand name Boehringer Ingelheim BioXcellence^TM. The biopharmaceuticals business achieved net sales of EUR 786 million in 2019 (+7.1% year on year and adjusted for currency effects).  

More information about Boehringer Ingelheim’s contributions to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic can be found on https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/covid-19

The 2019 Annual Report can be found here: https://annualreport.boehringer-ingelheim.com/

Boehringer Ingelheim

Making new and better medicines for humans and animals is at the heart of what we do. Our mission is to create breakthrough therapies that change lives. Since its founding in 1885, Boehringer Ingelheim is independent and family-owned. We have the freedom to pursue our long-term vision, looking ahead to identify the health challenges of the future and targeting those areas of need where we can do the most good.

As a world-leading, research-driven pharmaceutical company, more than 51,000 employees create value through innovation daily for our three business areas: Human Pharma, Animal Health, and Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing. In 2019, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of 19 billion euros. Our significant investment of almost 3.5 billion euros in R&D drives innovation, enabling the next generation of medicines that save lives and improve quality of life.

We realize more scientific opportunities by embracing the power of partnership and diversity of experts across the life-science community. By working together, we accelerate the delivery of the next medical breakthrough that will transform the lives of patients now, and in generations to come.

More information about Boehringer Ingelheim can be found on www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.