Report: Advanced therapy medicinal products
A technical report about ATMPs as part of the Swedish Futures series
Advanced therapy medicinal products — treatments that can cure or alleviate disease using genes, cells and tissues — are set to fundamentally transform healthcare. Sweden has the conditions to become a leading country in parts of this field. A new technology report from the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) sets out recommendations for strengthening Sweden's prospects.
New treatments for cancer and neurological diseases
For several diseases that currently lack satisfactory treatment — rare genetic disorders, certain cancers, certain neurological diseases and certain autoimmune conditions — advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) are expected to offer a cure or substantial improvement. These treatments are often one-time interventions with long-lasting effects, and are expected in time to replace lifelong medication and reduce the burden on health and social care.
Sweden has strong conditions to become a leader in parts of the ATMP field, given its robust research base, clinical expertise, advanced healthcare system and a largely data-driven ecosystem. However, other countries are investing heavily, and if Sweden does not act now, there is a risk of falling behind in an area that is critical to the future of healthcare and the broader economy.
"Sweden has strong conditions to become a leader in parts of the advanced therapy medicinal products field, but we are at a crossroads. International competition is accelerating, and without coordinated investment we risk falling behind in an area that is decisive for the future of healthcare."
Professor Sylvia Schwaag Serger, President of IVA.
Recommendations
The recommendations are based on an analysis of Sweden's current position in the ATMP field, a review of international development trends, and a mapping of key obstacles and opportunities for the country's continued progress. They represent a summary of the proposals and action points set out in greater detail in the report.
- Invest in multidisciplinary centres of excellence with shared technology platforms, where academia, industry and healthcare jointly develop ATMPs and enable effective implementation.
- Enable healthcare to serve as an integrated and active part of research and innovation, so that new treatments reach patients more quickly.
- Simplify regulations and strengthen incentives in Sweden and the EU, and improve the interplay between public and private funding to mobilise capital and develop robust business models.
Read and download report
