What Deutscher Apotheker Verlag does

Deutscher Apotheker Verlag (legal entity: Deutscher Apotheker Verlag Dr. Roland Schmiedel GmbH & Co. KG) is a Stuttgart-based, privately held pharmaceutical specialist publisher founded around 1900 and operating for more than 100 years. The company is the largest pharmaceutical Fachverlag in Germany, serving licensed pharmacists, pharmaceutical-technical assistants (PTAs), pharmaceutical-commercial assistants (PKAs), pharmacy students, and pharmacy owners through a portfolio of more than 950 titles and 49,513 catalog products, including textbooks, handbooks, e-books, loose-leaf collections, professional journals, drug-information databases, and pharmacy operations software.

The product portfolio combines traditional publishing with regulated workflow software and digital platforms. Flagship content assets include the DAZ (Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung) weekly newspaper, PTAheute journal, Medizinische Monatsschrift für Pharmazeuten (MMP), and cornerstone textbooks such as Mutschler Arzneimittelwirkungen. Software offerings include the long-tenured Dr. Lennartz Laborprogramm (35 years in market) for laboratory and formulation work, BtM-Programm and Gefahrstoff-Programm for narcotics and hazardous-materials compliance, Apotheken-Vorschriften Software for federal and state pharmacy law, and the pDL Manager Telepharmazie for telepharmacy services. The DAV Bibliothek digital library bundles cross-portfolio access, and the company holds German distribution rights for third-party drug-information platforms Micromedex (IBM Watson Health) and MedicinesComplete (Pharmaceutical Press). Underlying technology is a content management and digital publishing platform supporting e-books, online subscriptions, eLibrary (BiblioScout) integration, and an e-learning portal (akademie.dav-medien.de) for mandatory continuing education.

The business operates a hybrid monetization model. Book sales generate one-time license revenue (€1.39–€1,078 per title), while journal subscriptions (e.g., PTAheute at €89/year, MMP at €240–€246/year), software licenses (€843–€1,128/year for Dr. Lennartz; up to €14,994/year for hospital Micromedex), and e-learning/continuing education subscriptions provide recurring revenue. Go-to-market is direct-to-pharmacy via the owned e-commerce storefront, with B2B customer service support and an event-driven layer (notably the Apothekengala). The company is part of the DAV Mediengruppe, sharing distribution and brand management across pharmaceutical media brands, and distributes exclusively within Germany and adjacent DACH markets.

Name

Deutscher Apotheker Verlag

Legal name

Deutscher Apotheker Verlag Dr. Roland Schmiedel GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://deutscher-apotheker-verlag.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1900

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Deutscher Apotheker Verlag is Germany's largest pharmaceutical specialist publisher, headquartered in Stuttgart. It serves pharmacists, PTAs, and pharmacy students with 950+ book/journal titles, pharmacy compliance software, drug-information databases, and digital library subscriptions across the DACH market.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pharmaceutical Publishing

NAICS

Book Publishers (51313), Periodical Publishers (51312)

SIC

Books: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2731), Periodicals: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2721)

akta.pro primary industry

Medical & Clinical Reference (Physicians, Nursing, Allied Health) (EDAGAGAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Medicine & Allied Health (Clinical) (EDAGABAG), Medical, Clinical & Biomedical Scholarly Publishing (EDAGAFAB)

Keywords

• Pharmaceutical publishing
• Pharmacy software
• Drug information databases
• Continuing education pharmacy
• Pharmaceutical reference books

Headquarters

HQ city

Stuttgart

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Book Sales: One-time purchase revenue from specialist books, textbooks, and reference materials for pharmacists, PTAs, and PKAs. Includes both German and English language publications.
2. Journal Subscriptions: Recurring subscription revenue from journals including DAZ (Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung), PTAheute, and MMP. Available in print and/or digital formats.
3. Software Licenses: Usage-based and subscription licensing for pharmacy software solutions including Dr. Lennartz Laborprogramm, BtM-Programm, Micromedex, and other pharmacy management tools. Fees vary by pharmacy or hospital license type.
4. E-Learning and Continuing Education: Revenue from online mandatory training (Pflichtschulungen) and certified continuing education programs for pharmacy professionals.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Deutscher Apotheker Verlag is a German pharmaceutical specialist publisher offering more than 950 titles in print and digital formats (textbooks, handbooks, e-books, loose-leaf collections) plus pharmacy-focused software and drug information databases. The company develops proprietary solutions such as the Dr. Lennartz Laborprogramm laboratory software and the DAV Bibliothek digital library, and distributes third-party drug databases including Micromedex and MedicinesComplete to pharmacies and hospital pharmacies. Revenue comes from book sales, journal subscriptions, software licensing, and online continuing education programs.

Product overview

Deutscher Apotheker Verlag is a comprehensive pharmaceutical publishing house serving pharmacists, pharmaceutical technicians (PTA), and pharmaceutical commercial assistants (PKA) in Germany. The company operates a multi-format publishing platform offering over 950 titles spanning professional books, textbooks, e-books, loose-leaf collections in German and English, software solutions, and journals. Core offerings include the Dr. Lennartz Laborprogramm for pharmacy laboratory management and the DAV Bibliothek digital library platform. Software portfolio includes regulatory compliance tools (BtM-Programm, Gefahrstoff-Programm, Apotheken-Vorschriften als Software), drug information databases (Micromedex, MedicinesComplete, DrugBasePlus), telepharmacy solutions (pDL Manager), and reference tools (HVKompass, MediCheck, SFK online). Professional journals include the DAZ weekly newspaper, PTAheute for pharmacy technicians, and the Medizinische Monatsschrift für Pharmazeuten bridging medical and pharmaceutical knowledge. The publishing house also produces educational materials for pharmacy studies, clinical pharmacy, pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmaceutical law.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• DAV Bibliothek: Digital library providing pharmacies with digital access to specialist literature from the DAV Mediengruppe
• Dr. Lennartz Laborprogramm
• PTAheute
• DAZ - Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung

Products and services

• Dr. Lennartz Laborprogramm Laboratory management software for pharmacies and hospital pharmacies supporting raw material testing, prescription preparation, and quality control processes; in use for over 35 years with annual subscription licensing.
• DAV Bibliothek Digital library platform providing pharmacies with simultaneous, location-independent access to professional literature from the DAV Mediengruppe, with annual subscription packages such as Premium Package Pharmazie und Wissenschaft (€834.60).
• BtM-Programm Controlled substances documentation and tracking program for managing custody and inventory of narcotics (Betäubungsmittel) in pharmacies; 2026 edition available.
• Apotheken-Vorschriften als Software Software version of the Apotheken-Vorschriften (pharmacy regulations) providing quick access to German federal and all state pharmacy regulations with commentary and explanations.
• Micromedex Drug information database (IBM Watson Health) providing comprehensive medication data, adverse effects, interactions, and clinical guidelines; distributed in Germany to pharmacy and hospital customers with pharmacy and hospital pricing tiers.
• MedicinesComplete Online drug information platform from Pharmaceutical Press providing access to multiple pharmaceutical reference resources and databases, distributed to pharmacy and hospital professionals in Germany.
• Gefahrstoff-Programm Hazardous materials management program for pharmacies to track and document hazardous substances and ensure compliance; 2026 edition available.
• pDL Manager (Telepharmacy) Telepharmacy management solution for handling pharmaceutical services remotely, including consultation and dispensing workflows.
• DrugBasePlus Drug information and interaction reference system supporting pharmacy counseling and medication safety checks.
• HVKompass Pharmacy consultation compass tool providing guidance for patient consultations and advice services.
• Pflichtschulungen online Online mandatory training modules for pharmacy staff compliance and certified continuing education requirements.
• MediCheck Medication review and safety check software for pharmaceutical care services in pharmacies.
• Privacysoft Privacy and data protection compliance software for pharmacies.
• DAZ – Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung Weekly professional newspaper serving pharmacists in Germany with news, scientific updates, and industry coverage, available in print and online formats.
• PTAheute Professional journal for pharmaceutical-technical assistants (PTA) providing practice-oriented knowledge and continuing education content, with annual print+online subscription at €89.00.
• Medizinische Monatsschrift für Pharmazeuten (MMP) Monthly medical journal bridging pharmacists and physicians, with certified continuing education and exclusive webinars; annual subscription at €246.00 (print + online) or €240.00 (online-only).
• Mutschler Arzneimittelwirkungen Comprehensive reference book on drug effects covering pharmacology, clinical pharmacology, and toxicology, a cornerstone text in German pharmacy education and practice, now in its 12th edition.

Quantifiable outcome

• Free delivery of books within Germany

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Micromedex (IBM Watson Health)coreTechnology or IntegrationDeutscher Apotheker Verlag distributes Micromedex drug information databases in Germany, offering online access to pharmacy and hospital customers for drug information, interactions, and clinical decision support.
• MedicinesComplete (Pharmaceutical Press)coreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership to distribute MedicinesComplete online platform in Germany, providing access to pharmaceutical literature and drug information resources for pharmacy and hospital professionals.
• International Society for Anti-infective PharmacologyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership connection through journal publications and editor relationships with international pharmaceutical organizations.
• Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with European pharmacy practice networks for clinical pharmacy and medication management content.
• DAV MediengruppecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeutscher Apotheker Verlag is part of the DAV Mediengruppe (DAV Media Group), working collaboratively on shared content, distribution, and brand management across the pharmaceutical media ecosystem.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Wolters Kluwer Health: Wolters Kluwer is a global information services company whose health division (Lippincott, Ovid, UpToDate-adjacent assets) competes with DAV's distributed drug databases and pharmacy clinical decision support. Comparable on professional healthcare information and drug information products distributed into German pharmacies.
• Elsevier Health Sciences: Elsevier (part of RELX Group) operates a global medical and pharmaceutical publishing and analytics franchise, including ClinicalKey and ScienceDirect. DAV's distribution of global databases and English-language titles overlaps with Elsevier's positioning as a professional health information provider; Elsevier operates at far larger scale across multiple European markets.
• Springer Medizin Verlag: Springer Medizin is a major German-language medical publisher covering physicians and the broader healthcare workforce with journals, books, CME, and digital decision-support tools. While broader than pharmacy-only, it overlaps DAV's medical monograph and journal categories (e.g., MMP) and benefits from Springer Nature scale advantages in content and digital distribution.
• Georg Thieme Verlag: Thieme is a long-established German medical and scientific publisher producing textbooks, reference works, journals, and the major German-language pharmacology references used by pharmacists and clinicians. It is comparable to DAV as a professional pharmacy reference publisher but operates at a significantly larger scope across all medical disciplines.

Regional players

• W. Kohlhammer Verlag: W. Kohlhammer is a German academic and professional publisher with healthcare and pharmacy reference works in its catalog. It is comparable to DAV as a German-language professional publisher of pharmacy-adjacent literature, though with a broader (legal, social work, healthcare economics) focus.

Direct peers

• Wort & Bild Verlag: Wort & Bild Verlag publishes the Apotheken Umschau, Germany's most widely circulated consumer pharmacy magazine, alongside pharmacist-facing media and digital services. It competes with DAV's periodicals (DAZ, PTAheute) for pharmacist attention and pharmacy advertising budgets.
• Govi-Verlag: Govi-Verlag is a German pharmaceutical specialist publisher based in Eschborn, producing the Pharmazeutische Zeitung (PZ), Apotheker-Kalender, and related pharmacy books and databases. It directly competes with Deutscher Apotheker Verlag for the same German community pharmacy audience, pharmacist literature, and continuing education content.

Emerging players

• Pharmapro GmbH: Pharmapro distributes pharmacy software and database solutions in Germany, including drug information systems competing with DAV's DrugBasePlus and Apotheken-Vorschriften lines. It is comparable as a German pharmacy software vendor addressing the same niche as DAV's specialist software products.
• Pharmatechnik: Pharmatechnik is one of Germany's leading pharmacy management software vendors (ixxocon/LINDA), serving thousands of German pharmacies with ERP, POS, and workflow software. It is comparable to DAV's pharmacy software products (Dr. Lennartz, BtM-Programm, pDL Manager) as an adjacent pharmacy-software vendor — direct overlap in some regulatory modules.

Others

• ABDA (Bundesvereinigung Deutscher Apothekerverbände): ABDA is the umbrella association of German pharmacists and publishes policy, regulatory guidance, and advocacy content for the profession. It is not a direct publisher competitor but shapes the regulatory environment that drives demand for DAV's compliance books, software, and continuing education.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/deutscherapothekerverlag
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/deutscher-apotheker-verlag
• Instagraminstagram.com/dav_medien

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Deutscher Apotheker Verlag