Stories and Viewpoints

Our Impact

November 15, 2021

By Michael Goettler, Former CEO of Viatris

One of the special opportunities that comes with being a new company is getting to create your own history. At Viatris, we’re marking our one-year anniversary by holding Impact Week: a time to honor the patients we serve and celebrate the impact we’re making in their lives.

It’s the kind of celebration that seems natural for a company committed to seeing healthcare not as it is, but as it should be. In our view, what it should be is a system that provides patients everywhere with access to high-quality, trusted medicines, regardless of geography or circumstance.

“We are creating something new: a sustainable business model that accelerates market access to address the world’s most urgent health needs while also creating value for shareholders."Michael Goettler, CEO

Make no mistake: our industry has a remarkable record of scientific breakthroughs that are both life-changing and life-saving. It’s a well-earned source of pride. But all too often, the results of that innovation only reach a fraction of the patients who need them. Our purpose at Viatris is to expand the reach and empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life.

It’s a bold and ambitious mission, and we’ve made a strong start in our first year – despite the obstacles inherent in standing up a new company amid a global health crisis.

Thanks to the extraordinary dedication of our global teams, we’ve produced critical medicines to patients who rely on us. Delivered three consecutive quarters of strong financial performance. Achieved solid progress in integrating our operations. And received recognition for our commitment to social responsibility, with a top 5 ranking on the prestigious Fortune® Change the World list for our legacy efforts in the continual fight against HIV/AIDS, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

As rewarding as this first year has been, what truly energizes our 38,000 Viatris colleagues around the world are the amazing opportunities before us.

We are creating something new: a sustainable business model that accelerates market access to address the world’s most urgent health needs while also creating value for shareholders. We like to say we’re a company built for the future, because our unique platform is designed to increasingly connect patients to more products and services around the world.

It starts with our broad portfolio and deep pipeline that includes biosimilars, generics and complex medicines across a wide variety of treatment options. They’ve been developed through our strong R&D, medical, supply chain, manufacturing, regulatory, commercial and legal capabilities – a base of expertise that we are making available to partners through our Global Healthcare Gateway®. This platform is at the heart of Viatris and designed to enable increased access to medicines and services to reach patients like never before.

As we begin our second year, I could not be prouder of all that our colleagues around the world have accomplished to date, or more confident in our future. When we combine passion and focus with expertise and strong partnerships, we truly can – and will – make a difference in the lives of patients everywhere.