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.

Venomaid's rapid test aims to find the right snake bite treatment

Every six seconds, someone on our planet suffers a snake bite, and each time, a race against the clock begins. What kind of snake was it, and which antivenom can help? Danish company Venomaid Diagnostics is working hard to develop solutions to a problem that claims countless lives, especially in tropical countries.

A tiny animal with great importance

From the mythical Ganges River to the less sacred, but considerably cleaner waters in KI's aquariums in Solna. The little zebrafish has made an unconscious career – as an increasingly important model organism in medical research.

Developing rapid diagnostics for sepsis – “Every hour counts”

Finding the right antibiotic in the right dose – with an ultra-fast analysis method. Gradientech's product solution is currently used in routine diagnostics at several hospitals in Europe – and the next target is the US market.

Health politician Lina Nordquist: ”I find it hard to be idle”

She is the pharmacist and researcher who grew tired of the breakthroughs that never materialised and knowledge that never seemed to reach patients, so she decided to make a change from within. Life Science Sweden meets Lina Nordquist, Member of Parliament for the Liberals and their spokesperson on healthcare policy, to have a conversation about reality, politics, and the need for writing.

Life science trends 2025 – The economy

Upcoming patent expirations are driving pharmaceutical companies to acquire in 2025. In Sweden, we may be on our way to brighter times and fewer bankruptcies. Today´s part of the series with trend insights in life science for 2025 is about the economy.

Orbán's extended arm becomes health commissioner in the EU

Hungarian Olivér Várhelyi may soon become the most influential official for the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry in the EU. Várhelyi, who is close to Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán, is seen as a controversial figure due to his opposition to abortion and for calling EU members ”idiots.”

”The importance of stratification in a statistician’s August kitchen”

Ingrid Lönnstedt writes about an experiment of her own at home and about what lessons can be learned from it, in a science column.

Anna Törner: ”Orphan Designation – the "petite robe noire" of drug development”

It is easy to cling to various regulatory incentives, like orphan designation, and other expedited pathways, without understanding what they truly mean or whether they are indeed right (or wrong) for the current project, Anna Törner writes in a column.

Venom from the deathstalker carries radiopharmaceuticals to the brain

In order to target cancerous brain tumours with radionuclides, the problematic blood-brain barrier must first be crossed. Life Science Sweden has visited a KI researcher who is trialling an unusual approach ‒ using scorpion venom.

From Valneva to the CEO position at NorthX – “I saw it as a great opportunity”

A new cell therapy for leukaemia, a vaccine in tablet form against cholera, and a proprietary mRNA line with the potential capacity to supply the entire Nordic region with vaccines during a future pandemic. These are some of the projects underway at NorthX Biologics – under the direction of new CEO Janet Hoogstraate.

Anna Törner: Kalashnikovs in a new guise

Thanks to resisting European regulatory authorities, Europe has been spared the opioid epidemic. In the 1960s, the situation was the opposite as the American pharmaceutical authority, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), refused to approve thalidomide (Neurosedyn), writes Anna Törner in a column.

The route to vaccines for everyone: “We did not just sit around and wait”

The pandemic was in full swing, and no one knew when or even if a vaccine would come. At that point, the Swedish Minister of Social Affairs called with a proposal, and Richard Bergström did not hesitate. “I already had a notion that this would work,” he says in an interview with Life Science Sweden.

Coordination of world-class research facilities

Four unique world-class research facilities are located just a few hours apart. Properly utilised, a Nordic centre for world-leading life science innovation and research could become a reality. Kajsa M Paulsson is the project leader for HALOS, driving

Fewer visitors but satisfied exhibitors

Biotech Forum Scanlab attracted fewer visitors than in 2008. Exhibition manager Bo Rasmussen is content, claiming that the exhibitors are very satisfied.

The winner of the race

She learned how to work hard at an early age and her devotion has certainly paid off. Whether it is field running or running a company, the key to success is focus according to Yvonne Mårtensson.

LEO Pharma - International Clinical Trial Manager

Grape extract kills cancer cells

Grapes contain potentially beneficial chemicals that can destroy cancer cells, a new research proves.

Bring talent to those in need

Ho ho ho, Christmas time is here again. So get busy decking the halls, perhaps not with assorted greenery, but with something of a more lasting value.