dk for 3 decades of Healthcare communication at its best - dk Life Science Communications turns 30

The Frankfurt-based communications agency dk Life Science Communications (dk), which specialises in healthcare, celebrates its 30th anniversary this October. The dk team celebrated the agency's birthday together with the founder Dorothea Küsters, who retired in July, and the new Managing Director Niklas Kurz during a wine hike in the Rheingau region followed by dinner.

The success story of the owner-managed agency began in 1993 with one client from the dental industry. Today, 25 communication experts work for a variety of clients from the pharmaceutical and medical technology industry as well as from the OTC, nutrition and well-being sectors. Over the past 30 years, the agency has profiled products and companies in almost every indication imaginable between head and toe. This has made it one of the most renowned PR agencies for health communication in Germany. 

Specialist from rare diseases to ATMPs  

Thematically, the range in the Rx sector extends from the major common diseases to the rare ones. "In the last 15 years, we have looked after more than 30 brands in the field of orphan diseases", Bettina Sieber, Director Rx, tells us. "We are particularly pleased when we are allowed to be involved in the launch of new drug classes - preferably from the pre-launch phase onwards." This is what happened in the last two years: Since then, the team has also been looking after Advanced Therapy Medical Products (ATMPs) with gene and cell therapies. In connection with future-oriented products, the team is also experienced in the communicative support of market access processes. 

Medical education as a bridge to the medical profession  

Change keeps us young and flexible: it is in the agency's DNA to actively accompany changes in the health market, to question processes and to offer customised communication solutions. When it became apparent 10 years ago that many companies had an increased need for high-quality medical education for their target groups, the agency strengthened itself with a medical education department. "With training materials and certified events, which we implement in close cooperation with renowned experts on various channels, we can establish our clients as recognised partners in the medical profession," emphasises Monika Vogt, MD, Director Medical Education. "The practice-relevant added value of such further education strengthens credibility and trust in the companies." 

Freestyle running with strategy & content 

"However, we are not only enthusiastic about Rx, but also about non-prescription drugs, cosmeceuticals, dietary supplements, functional food and still dental topics", emphasises Dirk Fischer. The heart of the Director OTC, Wellbeing and Dental beats especially for awareness campaigns, influencer relations, modern corporate publishing and a cleanly controlled omnichannel approach to the target groups. Most important to him is the strategic line and its consistent implementation at all levels. In this context, a deep understanding of the mindset not only of the client but also of the various stakeholders, target group-specific content and creative storytelling are important essentials. "Optimal synergetic integration of PR activities and relationship management into product and brand communication - that's what our clients look for and value in us." 

3 decades of dk on the road to success 

In the last three decades, the agency has grown strongly, which is reflected in the number and variety of accounts as well as in long-standing customer relationships and satisfied clients. A success of which the entire team is proud. This is not least thanks to the management team. Dirk Fischer, Bettina Sieber and Dr. med. Monika Vogt alone contribute a combined half century of dk expertise. 

Moving on 

"I am now very much looking forward to continuing the success story together with my colleagues," says Niklas Kurz, Managing Director of the agency and COO of Wefra Life. Since July 2023, dk Life Science Communications has been an independent company of the Wefra Life Group, which is also owner-managed. "With the acquisition of dk, we have strategically strengthened ourselves - on the one hand through synergies, and on the other hand through additional expertise in areas that were previously not part of our core business." Wefra Life celebrated its 90th anniversary this year. Together, the two agencies can thus look back on a proud 120 years of healthcare experience.