Run Faster to Survive: Polpharma Biologics Leader Warns Against Western Pharma Complacency

“You don’t just need to be good; you need to be better than others to drive your business,” warns Olaf Birkenmeier, Head of External Manufacturing at Polpharma Biologics, describing the evolutionary pressure facing Western biopharmaceutical manufacturers.

Olaf Birkenmeier leads external manufacturing at Polpharma Biologics, bringing senior leadership experience from Sandoz and Novartis to bear on the challenges facing by pharma companies in an increasingly competitive global market.

In a recent PharmaSource podcast interview, Olaf draws parallels between the pharmaceutical industry’s competitive landscape and the Red Queen hypothesis – an evolutionary biology theory proposed in 1973 that suggests species must constantly adapt, evolve, and proliferate to survive while pitted against ever-evolving opposing species. This principle, he argues, perfectly captures the continuous innovation and improvement required for Western biopharmaceutical companies to maintain their market position.

Listen to the full interview:

The Rising Challenge from Asian Markets

The pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape is undergoing significant changes, particularly with the rise of Asian capabilities. “There are tremendously good companies in China and India that you might not have on your radar yet,” Olaf cautions. “Just as people might be surprised by Chinese cars in the market now, the same will happen in biosimilars and pharmaceuticals.”

He emphasises that this evolution isn’t limited to basic manufacturing capabilities. Many Asian companies are rapidly building expertise and expanding their technological capabilities, potentially disrupting traditional Western dominance in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The Danger of Systemic Complacency

Olaf warns against a mindset of complacency that he sees developing in Western pharmaceutical companies. “If you’re in a system, organisation, or community where everything is going smoothly, you might not realise what is behind the horizon,” he explains.

This blindness to emerging competition can be particularly dangerous in today’s rapidly evolving market. “Many people are saying, ‘We are good, this is good, and we are getting better.’ But that’s not enough anymore. You need to run faster than others to keep up or stay in the business for long.”

Building Resilient Operations

Olaf advocates for a focused approach to maintaining competitiveness. “Focus on what really matters,” he advises. “You can have a good company, but what you really see is companies are competitive if they are in a cluster with other companies.” He emphasises the importance of collaboration and specialisation, particularly in Europe, where there are many companies with specific expertise.

Strategies for Survival

The key to future success, according to Olaf, lies in maintaining a balance between excellence and agility. “Cut down on unnecessary discussions,” he advises. “Really focus on what matters, and then you can be competitive. You have the equipment, you have the expertise, so you can utilise this, but don’t get complacent and always see where you can get better.”

This evolutionary pressure is particularly evident in the biosimilars market, where competition is intense and margins are under constant pressure. Companies must continuously improve their processes, reduce costs, and increase efficiency just to maintain their market position.

Looking to the Future

For Western pharmaceutical companies to thrive in this evolving landscape, Olaf suggests they must embrace the principles of continuous adaptation and improvement. Success will come not from being “good enough” but from constantly pushing boundaries and seeking better ways to operate.

“We need to think about how we can get better,” he concludes. “There are very good and smart people in other companies and other countries. Try to learn, try to work nicely together, and optimise your whole supply chain and processes.”

Olaf Birkenmeier will be sharing his perspective of biologics manfacturing challenges and opportunities at CDMO Live 2025 (7-8th May, Rotterdam). Download the full agenda here.