A cluster contribution to European life science innovation and competitiveness?

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.

Allogene discontinues investigational antibody following patient death

U.S. biotechnology company Allogene Therapeutics is fully discontinuing the use of its experimental antibody ALLO-647 following the death of a patient in its pivotal CAR-T trial.

Novo Nordisk appoints Mike Doustdar as new CEO

The Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk has appointed Mike Doustdar as its new CEO. At the same time, the company announced it was lowering its forecasts – which caused the stock to drop sharply on Wednesday.

Trump in new push to lower drug prices

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he plans to sign an executive order to lower the cost of prescription drugs to the same levels paid in other wealthy countries — something he claims could reduce prices by 30 to 80 percent.

Who pays for Rebecca Doe – and all of us?

Anna Törner on how easily we get used to the idea that healthcare is free - when it really is about how and who pays for it

We desire talent to come here, but are we genuinely welcoming them?

Sweden faces significant challenges in creating a truly inclusive environment that makes international professionals feel welcome, valued, and able to build meaningful careers, writes Sarah Lidé in a column.

FDA approves new cystic fibrosis therapy

A new treatment for cystic fibrosis has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Rise and Scantox cease conducting animal testing in Stockholm

Access to in vivo toxicology services is significantly decreasing in the Stockholm area as Rise shuts down animal testing and Scantox reorganizes. ”The costs are high, and demand is weak”, says the division manager at Rise to Life Science Sweden.

Joy at Egetis after positive CHMP opinion – ”The single most important milestone”

Stockholm-based Egetis Therapeutics has received a positive CHMP opinion for Emcitate, which could become the first approved treatment for the rare disease MCT8 deficiency."

Anna Törner: ”If I fall seriously ill, I’ll move to Finland”

”It is both undignified and undemocratic that cancer patients must travel to Finland to uphold a façade of fairness that does not truly exist”, Anna Törner writes in a column.

Roche’s Genentech terminates licencing deal with Norwegian biotech

Genentech is ending a license collaboration with Norwegian biotech Nykode Therapeutics regarding a clinical stage cancer vaccine program.

Healthcare study: Alzheimer’s blood test shows high accuracy

A blood test for identifying Alzheimer’s has now been tested in the general healthcare setting. According to the researchers, the test was 90% accurate in making a diagnosis.

Gothenburg, the city of life science – We are ‘Little Boston’

Western Sweden is investing in life science within everything from advanced therapeutic drugs to femtech. At the same time, stakeholders are looking to other industries for inspiration and knowledge.

EMA review confirms a risk of new cancer after CAR-T

CAR-T cancer therapies can, in rare cases, induce secondary cancers. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) now recognises this and requires a warning label to be attached to the product information and patients to be followed up for life.

Total pipeline of pharmaceutical companies reaches a record high – 22,921 medicines are currently being developed

Despite the difficult economic times, pharmaceutical companies have never developed as many new drugs as now.

Ancient DNA provides new insights – “The immune system lost its job”

Ancient bone remains from our ancestors have provided new insights into the prevalence of multiple sclerosis. By looking back in time, researchers can provide a possible explanation for why the disease is more prevalent in northern Europe.

Study: Popular diabetes treatment is not associated with thyroid cancer

Concerns raised about an association between GLP-1 analogues, used to treat diabetes and obesity, and an increased risk of thyroid cancer are not supported by an extensive Scandinavian study.

Recipharm divests five Swedish plants

Swedish contract manufacturer Recipharm is selling its facilities in Solna, Strängnäs, Höganäs, Karlskoga and Uppsala OTC Development to US private equity company Blue Wolf Capital Partners.

Specific proposals and targets top the universities’ desired priorities

What are the universities’ expectations for the update of the national life science strategy? Life Science Sweden posed the question to representatives from Karolinska Institutet and Sahlgrenska Academy.

“Life science is important on a personal level”

From the High Coast to the Government Offices. Jeanette Edblad is a native of Ångermanland, and since September last year, she has been Head and Coordinator of the Government’s Life Science Office.

Samuel Lagercrantz: ”Will the Swedish life science strategy be updated with precision?”

What will the Swedish government focus on in the life science strategy that is being updated? And what should be prioritized in the strategy? Life Science Sweden's editor-in-chief Samuel Lagercrantz highlights three areas.

Failed to read the fine print – lost his life’s work

A celebrated CEO and co-founder of a pioneering lab company one moment – the next, fired, kicked out and written out of the company’s history. This is the story of a Swedish entrepreneur who was going to raise US venture capital to strengthen his company but lost his life’s work instead.

Study: Popular diabetes drug may be effective against liver disease

After its success in diabetes and weight loss, a new potential therapeutic area has been identified for Ozempic and other GLP1 analogues. A new study links the drug type to a reduced risk of liver damage.