Atrogi on its challenger to GLP-1: “Now we are stepping forward”

A new approach to treating type 2 diabetes and obesity is taking shape in a laboratory just a stone’s throw from the Karolinska Institute. At Atrogi, researchers are developing a potential challenger to today’s GLP-1.

List: The companies behind 38 new pharmaceutical substances in the EU

In 2025, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended 104 medicines for approval. Of these, 38 contained a new active substance that had never before been authorised in the EU. Life Science Sweden has mapped the companies and countries behind the new substances.

Fourteen US-based top researchers recruited to Sweden

Sweden has set its sights on America’s top scholars – and it seems to work. By the end of 2025, fourteen leading U.S.-based researchers had already been won over to Swedish universities.

Gothenburg-based Anyo Labs gains ground in the AI race

In a fifty-square-metre space in Gothenburg sits a company aiming to secure its place on one of the world's hottest technological stages: AI-driven drug development. “We are driven by the technical challenge and by ensuring that we have the best possible tools,” the company’s CEO tells Life Science Sweden during our visit.

“There’s no magic wand” – The urgent need for new treatments

One in ten women with recurrent yeast infections develops a stubborn, hard-to-treat condition for which no effective therapies currently exist. At Danderyd Hospital, researcher Cathrin Alvendal at the Women’s Clinic research unit is working to change that. This is the second instalment in Life Science Sweden’s series on fungi.

Acne medication may be the solution when hair starts falling out

A treatment originally developed for acne has shown remarkable Phase III results in a completely different area: male-pattern hair loss.

“Access to capital increases when there’s an exit”

It remains a tough environment for biotech companies seeking financing – but there is good reason to hope for improvement ahead. That’s the view of Okee Williams, Corporate Adviser at Redeye.

FDA launches investigation into gene therapy following child death

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated a safety investigation into Takeda’s Adzynma after reports that a child has died during treatment. The incident is described as likely related to the drug.

Genmab drops another ADC candidate from billion‑dollar ProfoundBio deal

Danish biotech Genmab has discontinued development of its antibody‑drug conjugate (ADC) candidate GEN1160, citing low patient enrollment in an early‑stage cancer trial.

Southern Swedish company Aqilion develops drug for eosinophilic esophagitis

When Aqilion began developing a drug for eosinophilic esophagitis, the molecule was classified as an orphan drug. But the prevalence of the disease now appears to be increasing. “We needed a molecule that is extremely selective,” said the company’s CEO, Sarah Fredriksson, during a meeting last week.

Första genterapin mot Wiskott-Aldrichs syndrom får grönt ljus i EU

CHMP rekommenderar godkännande i EU av den första genterapin mot den sällsynta, ärftliga immunbristsjukdomen Wiskott-Aldrichs syndrom (WAS).

The vaccine has saved 94 million lives – but measles is spreading again

A disease we once believed belonged to the past is now resurging in both Europe and the United States. In the shadow of growing skepticism and declining vaccination coverage, measles – which has claimed millions of lives throughout history – is making a comeback.

New findings on the diseases that crushed Napoleon’s army

As if cold, starvation, and typhus weren’t enough. New research reveals that Napoleon’s defeated army also suffered from paratyphoid fever and relapsing fever during the retreat from Russia.

Swedish life science is growing – but capital is not keeping up

The number of employees and companies in Swedish life science is increasing and the sector is more equal than many other sectors. But investments in unlisted companies are weak.

A cluster contribution to European life science innovation and competitiveness?

Swedish team tests Alzheimer antibody for brain imaging

Recent breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s treatment have increased the need for precise diagnostics in the field. Researchers in Uppsala are working to develop improved methods for both identifying suitable patients and ensuring they receive the right therapy.

Gene therapy restored hearing in children with congenital deafness

Eleven out of twelve children with congenital deafness showed improvements in a study testing Regeneron’s gene therapy for hereditary hearing loss. The U.S. company now plans to apply for approval of the gene therapy.

How the Nobel discovery is used in drug development

Regulatory T cells keep the immune system in check, a discovery now awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Qiang Pan Hammarström explains how this finding is being applied in today’s drug development, and what challenges remain.

Many discontinue obesity medication – new study highlights the reasons

A new study maps out the most common reasons why patients choose to stop taking obesity medication prematurely. “Obesity medication discontinuation reverses health benefits and prompts weight regain in most individuals,” says Hamlet Gasoyan, one of the researchers behind the new study, in an interview with Life Science Sweden.

Phase III win for Hansa Biopharma: “We Are Thrilled”

Swedish biotech Hansa Biopharma’s transplant drug imlifidase has met the primary efficacy endpoint in a registration-enabling Phase III study in the United States.

Heart Monitoring in Breast Cancer – Essential or Excessive?

Trastuzumab and related drugs have transformed breast cancer treatment and dramatically improved survival rates. But the close cardiac monitoring required during treatment can be a heavy burden for both patients and healthcare systems. Dr. Andri Papakonstantinou is working to refine how doctors identify which patients truly need intensive follow-up.

Astra Zeneca pauses multi-million investment in the UK

Astra Zeneca has paused a planned investment worth $270 million. It is the latest pharmaceutical company to pull back on its commitments in the UK.

Eli Lilly Recruits Leading Swedish Researcher Kaj Blennow to Head Alzheimer’s Project

Eli Lilly recruits Kaj Blennow, leading Alzheimer’s researcher, as VP of neuroscience biomarker development.

Billion-Dollar Deal Sends BioArctic Soaring

Swedish Alzheimer-focused company BioArctic has entered into a licensing collaboration with Novartis regarding a technology aimed at enhancing efficient drug delivery to the brain. The BioArctic stock surged significantly following the announcement.