INSIGHT. Sweden has a long tradition of research and development in life science, supported by a well-functioning ecosystem that encourages collaboration and innovation and drives development forwards. This also lays the foundation for many of the companies that are started here, providing a great deal flow of investment opportunities for us as investors.
One exciting life science research project that has received a great deal of international attention is The Human Blood Atlas, which is the latest database to be released under The Human Protein Atlas programme. Within The Human Blood Atlas, a group of researchers at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), led by Mathias Uhlén, have mapped 200 different proteins found in various types of cancer, paving the way for broad-spectrum cancer screening and improving the chances of early detection and treatment. Mathias Uhlén is internationally recognized for his work on The Human Protein Atlas and is active across the life science field. Uhlén recently invested in Sciety’s portfolio company Capitainer, where he also joined the company as a senior advisor.
Sweden has long been recognized for creativity and innovation. Sweden was ranked the second most innovative country in the world by Global Innovation Index 2023, and also boasts the most patents per capita in Europe.
But did you also know that many significant medical discoveries originated in Sweden? Here are a few examples:
Haemodialysis
Nils Alwall, a Swedish physician and inventor, was a key pioneer within dialysis and laid the foundation for modern haemodialysis – a treatment method for patients with severe kidney failure used throughout the world today.
The pacemaker
Inventor and physician Rune Elmqvist, together with surgeon Åke Senning, developed the first implantable pacemaker. Today, the pacemaker remains a medical device that saves lives around the world.
The gamma knife
The gamma knife, invented by Lars Leksell and Börje Larsson, enables, for example, surgery on brain tumours without opening the skull. The first procedure was performed at Sophiahemmet Hospital in Stockholm more than 50 years ago, and the technique is still used to treat various brain diseases, including tumours, vascular malformations and severe pain conditions.
So, the next time you reflect on world-leading innovations, remember that many of them originated in Sweden. It’s certainly impressive that such a small country can have such a major impact on global health and medical technology.
About Sciety
Sciety is a leading investment company, committed to supporting the growth of innovative life science and health tech companies in the Nordic region. We invest alongside Sciety Venture Partners, comprising family offices and private investors, as well as venture capital firms. Our mission is to enable the full potential of life science innovations, helping to bring breakthroughs in healthcare to people all over the world. For more information, please visit www.sciety.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
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