Today, SwedenBIO releases a report on the state of the drug projects in clinical and preclinical phase in Sweden. The result is an uplifting message of strength that shows how critical it is now to secure a strong investment environment in life science.
Since the survey in 2016, the number of projects has increased from 369 to 420. There has also been an increase in the number of companies, especially with projects in clinics.
- Several companies have reached phase III or are in the process of approving new products. It is gratifying that the number of employees in the companies has increased, especially in the smallest companies, states Sara Gunnerås, editor of the report.
Oncology and neurology are the areas of therapy that dominate, followed by endocrinology and infection. Nearly a third, 128 projects, are developing in the cancer field. As many as 26% of the projects target a rare disease.
And the industry's companies are in the expansion stage. 80% state that they intend to increase the workforce with either employment or consultants during 2020-2021. However, it is important to note here that the survey responses came in before the corona crisis struck. At the same time as the industry pipeline has been growing stronger over several years, the pandemic has in a short time affected the conditions to refinance what are basically commercially strong projects. SwedenBIO is therefore in demand for a strong investment promotion to ensure that the expansion power within Swedish life science does not go unnoticed.
- As enthusiastic as I am about the message of strength that our domestic pipeline shows, I am just as concerned that their capital supply has been made more difficult. It is important that we do not neglect this now, but make sure that we work strategically to attract investment and research collaborations here, says Helena Strigård, CEO SwedenBIO.
What SwedenBIO believes is at stake is both the knowledge-intensive jobs that this industry creates and its importance for our community preparedness. That is, the ultimate opportunity to save lives for patients.
- If there is something that has become painfully clear during the corona crisis, it is the importance of having the development and production of drugs and diagnostics within Sweden's borders so that we can respond to the unpredictability of the health challenges we are facing. We cannot trust 100% to the outside world in this.
In parallel with the importance of a domestic drug pipeline in the public debate, SwedenBIO's report shows how important international contacts and capital are for the companies to grow. All companies responded that they have some form of international cooperation, for example by recruiting foreign experts to the board and operations.
- The pipeline companies have set their sights on a global market from day one. That as a group they succeed in establishing international contacts so broadly is a strength message. For example, half have International investors, says Sara Gunnerås.
Summary:
According to the survey, 148 companies are headquartered in Sweden that develop drugs, half of which have reached clinical trials
In total, the companies have 420 projects, of which 148 are in clinic (46 in phase I, 80 in phase II and 24 in phase III)
59% originate from academia or health care
50% have attracted international capital and 100% of respondents have international cooperation of various kinds
For further information, contact Helena Strigård CEO SwedenBIO on 073 640 28 05 or Helena.strigard@swedenbio.se
