The Swiss Association for the Verification of MedicinesSMVO) is committed to protecting patients from counterfeit medicines. The relevant organizations of the Swiss healthcare system founded the SMVO on 4 April 2018.

The SMVO association has founded "SMVS Schweizerische Gesellschaft für die Verifizierung von Arzneimittel GmbH"SMVS GmbH) to operate the national medicinal product database. The company offers services and implementation support to all relevant bodies and organizations in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Purpose of the association

The following main tasks have been defined in the Articles of Association:

  • Is committed to patient safety and improvements in the healthcare system thanks to the joint participation of all stakeholders concerned.

  • Ensures that the legal requirements of the Therapeutic Products Act are complied with.

  • Is the contact person for authorities.

  • Is responsible for the strategy of SMVS GmbH (design, controlling and risk management).

  • Appoints the management of SMVS GmbH.

  • Determines the distribution key for the operating costs of SMVS GmbH for the pharmaceutical companies.

The SMVO association holds a 100% stake in the operating company of the database systemSMVS GmbH).

The following organizations are members of the SMVO:

  • ASSGP, Swiss Association for Self-Medication

  • FMH, Swiss Medical Association

  • GRIP, Groupement Romand de l'industrie pharmaceutique

  • H+, The Swiss Hospitals and GSASA, Swiss Association of Official and Hospital Pharmacists

  • intergenerika, Association of Generics Manufacturers in Switzerland

  • interpharma, Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies in Switzerland

  • pharmalog, Swiss Pharma Logistics Association

  • pharmasuisse, Swiss Pharmacy Association

  • scienceindustries, trade association for the chemical, pharmaceutical and biotech industries

  • SVKH, The Swiss Association for Complementary Medicine Remedies

  • vips, Association of Pharmaceutical Companies in Switzerland