Interview | Dr. Harald Hasselmann, Chairman of the Executive Board of Eckert & Ziegler SE

Global and innovative – isotope technology components for precision oncology

Eckert & Ziegler Group is one of the world's largest suppliers of isotope technology components for medical, scientific and industrial applications. Since its foundation in the 1990s, all of Eckert & Ziegler’s company functions have been headquartered in Berlin-Buch, and the group was able to continuously expand its global activities with further national and international production, service and distribution sites. We spoke with Dr. Harald Hasselmann, Chairman of the Executive Board, about regional and global strategies for success and innovation. 

© Eckert & Ziegler SE

 

1. Eckert & Ziegler invests heavily into innovations. What role do they play in the future of personalized medicine, and how is your company positioning itself in this competitive environment? 

Innovations are the lever for personalized (radio) medicine, enabling diagnostics and therapy to become increasingly patient- and tumor-specific. In the field of nuclear medicine, we position ourselves as an isotope specialist and supplier of key components for diagnostics and radioligand therapy, such as radionuclides, generators, development and contract manufacturing services, as well as (laboratory) equipment. We are, so to speak, a catalyst for precision oncology – from clinical readiness to scaling. 

2. What role do you see for the Cluster HealthCapital in the further development of the capital region into a leading location for the healthcare industry in Germany? 

Berlin boasts an exceptionally high density of university medical centers (Charité, Vivantes), research institutions (Max Delbrück Center, Fraunhofer, HZB) and biotech/medtech companies. This facilitates alliances between science, clinics, start-ups, SMEs and corporate groups. In addition, Berlin is being marketed as a hotspot for digital health, medtech and life sciences, supported by Cluster initiatives and international trade fairs such as DMEA and BIO-Europe. This reinforces Berlin's reputation as a leading location for the healthcare industry in Germany and gives the capital region opportunities to shine. Unlike in other German health clusters, this is not necessarily achieved by individual pharmaceutical giants, but rather through a unique combination of clinical excellence, research strength, start-up dynamism and a vibrant digital health ecosystem. Add to that the World Health Summit and the annual Virchow Prize award ceremony, and Berlin becomes Germany's health capital. 

3. As a globally active company, how affected is Eckert & Ziegler by the current geopolitical tensions, tariff disputes and trade restrictions, and how do you respond to that? 

Naturally, as a global player, we are not immune to geopolitical tensions, customs disputes and trade restrictions. To reduce risk, we have implemented a series of measures such as diversification in production and procurement, increasing supply chain resilience, and, on the sales side, the utilization of regional production sites. Eckert & Ziegler now has three production sites in the USA and another one is currently being set up in China. In addition, we have sites in Germany and Europe. 

4. Earlier this year, Eckert & Ziegler was once again awarded for the outstanding quality of its training and won another Best Managed Companies Award. What exactly distinguishes your company's “strategic foresight and innovative strength”, which were emphasized in particular? 

Eckert & Ziegler established itself early on as an internationally sought-after isotope specialist in the future market of nuclear medicine. Our strategic foresight includes, for example, focusing on specific radionuclides at an early stage, creating sufficient production capacities and supply chains, and collaborating with pharmaceutical companies from the early clinical phases. Examples of our innovative strength include GalliaPharm® for cancer diagnostics, our automated hot cells, and synthesis devices that make the production of radiopharmaceuticals safer and more reproducible. To put it in a nutshell: “Isotopes are our superpower.” 

Further Information: 

Personal details: 

Dr. Harald Hasselmann was born in 1967 and grew up in Hamburg. After completing an apprenticeship as an industrial clerk, he studied business administration, earned a doctorate in the subject and went on to work for large and medium-sized healthcare companies. Dr. Hasselmann has many years of experience in working for international pharmaceutical companies and is a proven expert for finances, marketing and the implementation of restructuring measures. Since 2015, he has been CEO of Eckert & Ziegler BEBIG GmbH. In 2017, Dr. Hasselmann was appointed to the Executive Board of Eckert & Ziegler SE. He has been Chairman of the Executive Board since June 8, 2023. 

 



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