Biological age predicts health risks, positive decade for life science in the Nordics and progress in our portfolio companies
Can you believe that we are already approaching Christmas, a time for joy, celebration and spending time with loved ones. Soon we will also be ringing in the new year, and when Sciety looks back on 2023, we feel proud of the progress we have made during the year, together with our portfolio companies and with the investor network Sciety Venture Partners.?
We have summarised this year's highlights in the following articles – a reading tip for the holidays!?
The team at Sciety will be taking a well-deserved Christmas break to recharge our batteries and spend time with family and friends. We look forward to the upcoming year, when we will continue our efforts to support innovations in life science and digital health and to help them reach their full potential.??
We want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for the past year, and we wish you a magical Christmas and a prosperous New Year.? ?
Keep reading for more news about our portfolio companies and our insights, where we explore the positive development of the Nordic life science sector over the past ten years. We also share why your biological age says more about your health than your actual chronological age.?
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News from our portfolio companies
PharmNovo's drug candidate receives NIDA funding?
The US National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has funded a project investigating the potential of PharmNovo 's drug candidate in the treatment of opioid withdrawal. Opioid addiction remains a serious public health problem both in the US and globally, and an important core issue is the management of withdrawal symptoms. Extensive data from preclinical studies show that PharmNovo's drug candidate has no abuse potential. Ongoing studies within the NIDA project have also shown the drug candidate's effectiveness in pain relief during intensified pain due to opioid withdrawal, as well as its potential to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. PharmNovo also recently completed a funding round together with Sciety, in the form of a convertible debenture, resulting in SEK 23.1 million raised. The funds will be used for the company's continued development.?Read more about PharmNovo's funding from NIDA.?
Akiram Therapeutics awarded SEK 6 million from the Erling-Persson Foundation?
The biotechnology company Akiram Therapeutics , developing a new type of targeted radiation therapy for cancer, has received funding from the Erling-Persson Foundation. The company's founder, Professor Marika Nestor, and her research group at Uppsala University have been granted SEK 6 million, and the funding will contribute to an innovative research project around the treatment of aggressive cancer.The funding will also strengthen Akiram's upcoming phase I study in humans, planned for 2024. Read more about Akiram Therapeutics' funding from the Erling-Persson Foundation.?
Predicare strengthens organisation with key personnel?
Predicare AB , the Nordic market leader in decision support for emergency care assessment, has recruited two key competencies to the company. Maria Geimer is recruited to a role as Chief Regulatory Officer (CRO). Maria has a background in product development, project management and experience in taking digital products to approval. Pehr Dahlbom is recruited to the role of Customer Success, RETTS Academy manager, and will be responsible for the company's training concept and its development within RETTS Academy. Pehr has a background as a nurse in emergency psychiatry, ambulance, emergency care, anaesthesia, and most recently emergency services. Through these recruitments, two important resources have come into place to implement the company's strategies for internationalisation and technical development.?
领英推荐
Encare nominated as promising technology startup by Rise Europe?
Healthtech company Encare - Enhancing ERAS? has been nominated by Rise Europe as one of the most promising technology companies in Europe. Rise Europe is a collaborative initiative between 14 European countries, with the aim of promoting the next generation of innovative technology startups. Encare has developed an innovative SaaS solution designed to support healthcare providers in improving patient recovery after surgical procedures. The solution helps healthcare providers to follow international treatment guidelines throughout the entire care chain, from diagnosis to rehabilitation, leading to improved clinical outcomes and lower healthcare costs.?Read more about Encare's nomination.?
Elypta named one of Sweden's top tech startups by Ny Teknik??
For the third time, diagnostics company Elypta is featured in Ny Teknik's list of Sweden's top tech startups. The “33 list” is released annually to highlight the efforts and potential of young, unlisted tech companies which, according to Ny Teknik, are "tomorrow's technology stars". Elypta develops methods for the early detection of cancer, by analyzing metabolites in blood and urine samples to find many different types of cancer at an early stage.?Read more about Ny Teknik's 33 list.?
Monthly spotlight
A positive decade for Nordic life science?
The past ten years have marked a period of significant growth and innovation in the life science sector across the Nordic region. The Nordic countries together host between 700-800 life science companies, where biotech and medtech are the most prominent areas. Sweden and Denmark are in the lead both when it comes to the number of companies and trade activity. A key highlight of this period is the significant growth of the biopharma pipeline, i.e. medicines or treatments produced with the help of biotechnology. Data from Citeline indicates a 50% increase in the number of active assets within biopharma in the Nordic region since 2013, with approximately 900 active assets today. Active assets in this case can be for instance drug candidates, patents, research projects, technology platforms or licensing agreements. This growth significantly outpaces the overall European pipeline's 3% expansion during the same time period. Even though the current financial climate could be perceived as somewhat challenging, the progress in the life science sector becomes evident when looking over a 10-year period. The value and number of deals have increased, especially during the pandemic years, culminating in over USD 2.5 billion raised in 2021. This financial growth reflects the sector's adaptability and resilience in the face of global challenges. In addition, Nordic life science companies have become adept at combining scientific innovation with structured business strategies, which has led to greater success and efficiency in the industry. This balanced approach has led to greater success and efficiency in the industry. Looking ahead, we are curious to see what the next 10 years will bring in terms of progress and opportunities in the Nordic life science landscape. Read more.?
Did you know
Your biological age is more important than your actual chronological age when it comes to your risk of developing age-related diseases. Biological age is a measure that is often used in research and is based on various health markers. In a recent study from Karolinska Institutet, the research group found that people with a biological age that exceeds their chronological age run a higher risk of suffering from stroke and dementia. The researchers used 18 biomarkers, including blood lipids, blood sugar and BMI, to calculate biological age and its association with neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and Parkinson's disease. The results suggest that a higher biological age is linked to an increased risk of dementia. The risk of ALS also increased with higher biological age, but interestingly, Parkinson's disease did not show the same pattern. These results emphasise the importance of trying to slow down the aging process in the body in order to reduce or delay the development of certain diseases. This also opens up new opportunities in preventive health care.
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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, private investors and 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.
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