Life science trends in 2024, unique AI lab in Stockholm and progress in our portfolio companies

Hope you have had a great start to the new year!

Here at Sciety, we started the year by expanding the team and welcoming Marcus Hjort, MD, PhD as Investment Associate. Marcus has a medical degree and a PhD from Uppsala University. In his role at Sciety he is responsible for analysing the research and business cases of potential portfolio companies. Marcus comes most recently from Danderyd Hospital, where he worked as a specialist in cardiology. At the end of January, we had a team conference where we, among other things, reflected on the past year and discussed goals for 2024. We look forward to an eventful spring!?

Capitainer secures investment from We Venture Capital (part of Werfen Group)

At Sciety, we work actively to support our portfolio companies with more than just capital. This could, for example, involve working with follow-on financing from prominent venture capital companies or identifying key people for the company's management or board. Therefore, we are pleased to announce that Capitainer has secured an investment of SEK 30 million from We Venture Capital, part of the global Werfen Group. Sciety has had an important role in facilitating the transaction and the financing will be used to scale up Capitainer's production capacity, launch new products and for sales and marketing efforts.

Sciety also assisted portfolio company Akiram Therapeutics in identifying one of its two new board members – Peder Walberg, a licensed physician and economist with a distinguished career in the pharmaceutical industry. Read more about Capitainer's investment from We Venture Capital and Akiram's new board members in the section “News from our portfolio companies” below.

SwedenBIO's Life Science Barometer 2024 is published

Every year, the industry organisation SwedenBIO releases the Life Science Barometer report, based on SwedenBIO's annual survey. The purpose of the report is to provide a snapshot of the life science industry, and according to SwedenBIO, a record number of companies participated in this year's survey, which makes the report SwedenBIO's most comprehensive to date. Read the Life Science Barometer 2024 report

Keep reading for more news about our portfolio companies and our insights, including our predictions for life science trends in 2024. We also take a closer look at the CAIR lab—a unique lab for AI healthcare at Danderyd Hospital.

News from our portfolio companies

Akiram Therapeutics expands board and secures manufacturing agreement

The biotechnology company Akiram Therapeutics , developing a new type of targeted radiation therapy for cancer, welcomes Anna T?rner and Peder Walberg to the board. Their joint expertise in drug development and regulatory affairs strengthens the company in preparation for the planned clinical trials for a new cancer treatment in 2024. Sciety has actively contributed to the recruitment of Peder Walberg, reflecting our commitment to support our portfolio companies with strategic expertise. The company has also entered into a manufacturing agreement with Karolinska University Hospital (KS) to produce the company's radiopharmaceutical intended for the treatment of patients with solid tumours. Both the agreement with KS and the appointment of the board members are important steps towards Akiram's clinical phase 1 study, scheduled to begin in 2024. Read more about Akiram's new members and the manufacturing agreement with KS

Capitainer secures an investment of SEK 30 million and strengthens its position in the US

Medtech company Capitainer , developing intelligent solutions for self-sampling of blood, has secured an investment of SEK 30 million from We Venture Capital, with additional support from us at Sciety, to support their expansion and innovation in self-sampling. This capital injection strengthens Capitainer's ability to accelerate product development and expand its market presence. The financing will be used to scale up the production capacity, launch new products and for sales and marketing efforts.

Capitainer has also been granted three US patents for its upcoming plasma/serum separation device, extending its patent protection in the US until 2042. These patents strengthen Capitainer's position within blood sampling and enable the company to offer its innovative solutions on the US market.

Furthermore, Capitainer has opened a new laboratory in Rhode Island, USA, a strategic step to rapidly implement Capitainer's technologies in the US, as well as positioning itself in one of the world's largest markets for medical testing. The new laboratory will initially focus on lead screening and has plans to expand to other tests. Read more about Capitainer's secured financing of SEK 30 million, new patents and the laboratory in the US

PharmNovo financed by Sciety and highlighted in Dagens Industri

Sciety and Sciety Venture Partners have recently made another investment in PharmNovo , a pharmaceutical company developing a new treatment for nerve pain. Through convertible debentures, PharmNovo received SEK 23.1 million to facilitate its continued development. PharmNovo has also been featured in Dagens Industri (DI), where their approach to pain management and the potential of their drug candidate in the treatment of opioid withdrawal is highlighted. The drug candidate, which was initially developed to treat pain, is now recognised by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in the US for its possible role in the treatment of opioid withdrawal. Read more about the financing and the feature in DI (in Swedish)

Predicare signs an agreement with Region ?sterg?tland for RETTS

Predicare AB , the Nordic market leader in decision support for emergency care assessment, has signed a new agreement with Region ?sterg?tland to continue the delivery of the Rapid Emergency Triage and Treatment System (RETTS) to the region's emergency care units, as well as offer long-term support to emergency departments, ambulance organisations and specialist clinics. This agreement represents an important part of Predicare's commitment to support emergency healthcare with its market-leading decision support technology.

Monthly spotlight

6 life science trends in 2024

What trends will dominate in life science and digital health in 2024? Here are some insights from us at Sciety.

?1. Synthetic biology and artificial cells

Synthetic biology is a field of research where it's chemically feasible to construct entirely new organisms and modify existing ones, giving them new or improved properties. For instance, it's possible to engineer molecular components that enable cells to perform specific functions. In 2024, we are expected to see further development of artificial cells for therapeutic purposes. We will also see the development of new tools for synthetic biology that can facilitate the construction of new biological systems. A significant example is CRISPR, a powerful tool within synthetic biology that allows scientists to explore gene functions and create new gene combinations that can instil desired properties or behaviours in organisms. CRISPR technology has evolved significantly in recent years, and is now more precise and efficient than ever. However, the cost of using CRISPR remains high, and its advances have sparked ethical and regulatory debates globally about the implications of gene editing in humans, crops, and ecosystems. Read more about the trend Synthetic biology and artificial cells

?2. Personalised medicine and precision treatments

In personalised medicine, also known as precision medicine, medical treatments are tailored to each individual's unique genetic and molecular profiles. Thanks to advances in diagnostic testing, DNA sequencing, and the increased use of AI, this approach is expected to evolve further in 2024. Personalised medicine extends beyond the laboratory, empowering both healthcare providers and patients. By predicting individual responses to medications and guiding treatment selections, personalised medicine promotes a proactive health management approach. However, personalised medicine poses several challenges, including issues related to data protection, consent, and ethical considerations.?Read more about the trend Personalised medicine and precision treatments

?3. Healthy ageing and longevity

The demand for products and services that support healthy ageing and longevity is on the rise. This trend is driven by a growing focus on preventive medicine, technological advancements in digital health, and research into products promoting healthy ageing. A McKinsey study revealed that over 60% of surveyed consumers place high importance on purchasing products or services that support healthy ageing and longevity. By 2030, one in six people worldwide will be aged 60 or older, making the topic of healthy ageing increasingly important. Read more about the trend Healthy ageing and longevity

?4. Femtech and women's health

Femtech and women's health, historically underfunded and underserved areas, have seen significant growth in recent years in terms of the number of startups and investor interest. Coined in 2016 by entrepreneur Ida Tin, the term femtech refers to technology and innovations addressing health issues primarily or exclusively affecting women. In recent years, innovative femtech solutions have emerged in fields such as fertility, pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause, ranging from medical diagnostics to daily wellness advice. The global femtech market is expected to grow from USD 6.7 billion in 2023 to approximately USD 20.6 billion by 2030, reflecting the increasing interest in new femtech solutions. Read more about the trend Femtech and women's health

?5. Generative AI

Discussing the future without mentioning AI is unimaginable. Within life science, AI is used for various purposes, from customising individual treatments and predicting the most promising drugs in clinical trials to identifying the most effective drug combinations.

According to a Deloitte survey of life science sector leaders, 70% of biopharma executives prioritise the use of generative AI for research and development. Another Deloitte survey found that over 80% of medtech leaders consider their largest digital investments to be in AI. Read more about the trend Generative AI

?6. Digital health and digital therapeutics

Digital therapeutics represent a category of medical treatments powered by technology, aimed at preventing, managing, or treating a disease or specific medical condition. Today, we are used to monitoring our health through various apps and wearable devices. However, digital therapeutics extend beyond just tracking; they emphasise preventive measures such as genetic testing, vaccines, and treatments designed to enhance vitality and immune defence. With a focus on early detection and preventive care, digital therapeutics can improve patient outcomes and potentially reduce healthcare costs over time. In the life science sector, we are likely to see an integration of digital therapeutics into existing product offerings, enhancing efficiency, improving patient engagement, and driving growth. Read more about the trend Digital health and digital therapeutics

Did you know...

Danderyd Hospital is home to a unique laboratory for AI in healthcare. The CAIR lab, short for Clinical AI Research lab, was established in the fall of 2022 as an innovation hub aimed at enhancing the practical application of AI within the healthcare sector. The lab focuses on projects such as using AI for CTG (cardiotocography, a technique to monitor fetal heart rate and contractions during pregnancy and childbirth) to monitor abnormal patterns, diagnosing gynaecological cancer with ultrasound, and evaluating the risk of a patient having a heart attack. The lab was initiated by Max Gordon, associate professor and senior physician in orthopedics, who also holds the position of director of operations for the CAIR lab. In 2014, Max Gordon and Danderyd Hospital were the first in the world to initiate research on artificial intelligence as a support tool for X-ray evaluation and fracture interpretation. In 2023, Max Gordon was named 'Swedish AI Personality of the Year' by the industry organization TechSverige.

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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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