New Report Highlights Why Stockholm-Uppsala is a Global Leader in Life Science

In Stockholm and Uppsala, innovative treatments for diseases like cancer, ALS, and Parkinson’s are being developed and manufactured, transforming the future of healthcare. Photo: Cellcolab
 
The Stockholm-Uppsala region is becoming a key hub for advanced biological drugs. A new report shows how strong collaboration across research, healthcare, and industry attracts global investment.
– Our ecosystem offers unique conditions for tomorrow’s healthcare, says Ylva Hultman, Head of Life Science at Stockholm Business Region.

The Stockholm-Uppsala region continues to strengthen its position as an international hub for the research, development, and production of biological drugs. Often described as the future of medicine, biological drugs include advanced treatments such as cell and gene therapy. In Stockholm and Uppsala, innovative treatments for diseases like cancer, ALS, and Parkinson’s are being developed and manufactured, transforming the future of healthcare.
A new report from Stockholm Business Region demonstrates how the unique ecosystem of the Stockholm-Uppsala region – where academia, healthcare, and industry collaborate – creates conditions for groundbreaking innovations in advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMP).

– Stockholm and Uppsala have a unique ecosystem for the development and manufacturing of advanced drugs. The region is home to world-leading research, close collaboration between academia, healthcare, and industry, and a strong commitment to investing in the future of healthcare. This makes our region a natural destination for international investors in ATMP, says Ylva Hultman, Head of Life Science at Stockholm Business Region. 

A Region at the Forefront of Research and Innovation

The report highlights the region’s strengths in biological drugs, particularly in cell and gene therapy. Leading actors such as Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SciLifeLab, and Testa Center are driving progress together. Global companies like Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Smart Cella, and NorthX Biologics have also chosen to invest and expand their operations in the region.

Unique Regulations and Strong Academic Connections

The region also benefits from the Swedish teachers’ exemption in copyright law, which grants researchers ownership of their research results. This fosters an environment where groundbreaking research can quickly be transformed into companies and new treatments for patients.

Global Market Potential and Strong Export Sector

The global market for biological drugs is expected to reach USD 741 billion by 2030. In 2024, Sweden exported pharmaceuticals worth USD 18.5 billion, representing 9.4 percent of the country’s total exports. With a strong research base and a unique innovation climate, Stockholm-Uppsala is well-positioned to further strengthen its presence in the global market.

Read more: Reports on Stockholm | Business & Innovation Insights 
 
About Stockholm Business Region
Stockholm Business Region is the official business and destination development company of Stockholm. Our mission is to strengthen Stockholm’s appeal as a prime destination for business establishment and tourism.
Stockholm Business Region is owned by the city of Stockholm
 
Contact:
Emma Grip, press officer
emma.grip@stockholm.se
+46 (0)8-508 280 23
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