Introducing ShareMed Swiss: Sharing Medicines for Life
Meet ShareMed Swiss, one of the inspiring startups selected for PLUS – The Regenerative Incubator. ShareMed Swiss is reshaping the healthcare landscape by tackling one of the most pressing yet overlooked issues in healthcare: medication wastage. This Swiss non-profit envisions a world where unused medicines don’t go to waste but instead reach those in need.
Through innovative solutions and global partnerships, ShareMed Swiss provides a systematic way to redistribute surplus medication and health products, thereby reducing the environmental impact of pharmaceutical disposal. Their unique model not only supports equitable healthcare access but also aligns with the goals of a circular economy by turning wasted resources into life-saving opportunities.
Can you give us an overview of ShareMed Swiss and its mission?
Our mission at ShareMed Swiss is to ensure equitable access to quality medicines and healthcare products for underserved populations. By reimagining the lifecycle of medications, we address both the wastage problem and the need for accessible healthcare worldwide. As a non-profit, we strive to create medication security while protecting the environment from harmful disposal practices.
How does your startup contribute to a regenerative economy?
Pharmaceutical waste often lacks a clear pathway for reuse, but ShareMed Swiss leverages existing inefficiencies in inventory management to minimise medicine disposal. By facilitating donations of unexpired surplus stocks, we give healthcare products a new purpose and extend their life cycle. This approach benefits donors by offering a risk-free, seamless donation process, while underserved communities receive much-needed medical resources without cost.
What are the main reasons for the high levels of medicine wastage?
Medicine wastage arises from multiple factors:
- Overprescription: Changing treatment plans often leave patients with leftover medications.
- Inventory Inefficiencies: Overstocking and standardised pack sizes often lead to expired medications.
- Lack of Awareness: Patients may not understand proper medication disposal methods.
- Communication Gaps: Poor coordination across the pharmaceutical supply chain contributes to stock inefficiencies.
These challenges reflect a broader systemic issue, highlighting the need for improved forecasting, inventory management, and education on sustainable medication practices.
Who are your target customers, and how do you envision your product making a difference in their lives?
Our model supports two groups: donors, who find a responsible alternative to disposal, and underserved communities globally who gain access to high-quality healthcare products. By bridging these two, ShareMed Swiss creates value for all stakeholders involved.
”By reimagining the lifecycle of medications, we address both the wastage problem and the need for accessible healthcare worldwide.”
What are the main hurdles in reducing medicine wastage?
The biggest challenges include regulatory restrictions, coordination issues among stakeholders, and resistance to change in healthcare practices. Regulatory bodies must ensure the safety of redistributing unused medicines, which can slow the process and add logistical complexities. Public awareness about the environmental impact of pharmaceutical waste is also limited, which hinders a shift toward sustainable practices in medicine use.
How did this idea originate, and who are the key members in your team?
The concept was born from a personal experience when one of our founders learned of a friend abroad struggling to access life-saving chemotherapy. Unable to get the necessary approvals for import, this friend reached out on social media, appealing for leftover medication. This inspired our team to tackle the dual issues of medicine wastage and access to essential medicines.
Our founding team includes diverse experts: Janos Karovits, Raul Cortada, Tamas Jan, Sönke Brunswieck, Thomas Guggi, and Quentin Bernabé. Together, we bring a mix of experience in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and business, united by a shared mission to make quality healthcare accessible to all. We’ve built partnerships with organisations in Greece, Lebanon, Ukraine, and the US and are always seeking new collaborators.
What are some upcoming milestones for ShareMed Swiss?
In the coming months, we plan to:
- Raise awareness of our mission and values across Switzerland.
- Expand the “Friends of ShareMed” community to include more volunteers and supporters.
- Launch partnerships with Swiss healthcare providers, pharmacies, and global medical organisations.
- Implement an advanced digital platform for tracking and redistributing medications.
- Launch a pilot program in selected Swiss cantons to test our redistribution model, exploring sustainable ways to recover, store, and transport medicines to areas in need.
- Strengthen our collaboration with regulatory bodies to create a supportive framework for medication reuse.
What is the global state of equitable healthcare access?
Though progress has been made, fair access to healthcare is still a major global challenge. Low- and middle-income countries, in particular, face a shortage of essential medicines. Even in Switzerland, rising healthcare costs can create barriers to medication access. With recent global crises impacting supply chains, disparities in healthcare access have only widened, underscoring the need for sustainable and collaborative solutions.
How feasible is it to replicate similar initiatives in Switzerland?
Countries like Greece, Lebanon, and the US have made strides in this area, showing the feasibility of medication redistribution programs. Adapting these models to Switzerland will require navigating local regulations, but with committed stakeholders, we’re confident it’s possible. ShareMed Swiss is also exploring opportunities to expand our model to other European countries with similar healthcare challenges.
Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
We believe that collaboration is the way forward. Patients, healthcare providers, pharmacists, and policymakers must unite to create a more sustainable healthcare system. By joining our “Friends of ShareMed” community, anyone can contribute to our vision—whether through volunteering, raising awareness, or supporting our initiatives. Together, we can save lives, reduce waste, and build a world where essential medications are accessible to all.
Be Part of the Change with ShareMed Swiss
If ShareMed’s mission resonates with you, consider joining their journey. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a pharmaceutical company, or simply an advocate for sustainable healthcare, your involvement can make a difference. Let’s work together to minimise waste, maximise access, and create a healthier, more equitable world for all.
