FinVector was founded in 1993 at the former University of Kuopio, Finland and is specialized in cGMP manufacturing of viral-based gene therapies. The company has been part of the Ferring Group since 2014, but specifically under Ferring Ventures S/A since 2019. Its business in Savilahti, Kuopio employs nearly 500 professionals from various fields. In 2023 alone, FinVector hired 171 new employees, doubling its workforce compared to two years earlier, and its new production unit Finport is set to become one of the world’s largest facilities for manufacturing gene-therapy treatments.

It was these merits that led the board of Finnish Bioindustries to select FinVector as the recipient of the BioFinland Award 2024, an award that recognizes a Finnish individual, group, community, or company that has developed a bioindustry innovation with the potential to become a significant international product or that enhances the industry image and global visibility.

“FinVector has diligently developed a new technology in Finland that has also achieved global commercial success,” stated Pekka Kekki, Chairman of the Board of Finnish Bioindustries, after the announcement.

How does it feel to receive the BioFinland Award?
“This award is a remarkable achievement for FinVector. It serves as a clear indication that we are on the right path, not only in terms of scientific innovation but also in our commitment to improving the lives of patients. This recognition is the culmination of years of dedicated work by our talented team in Kuopio. It reinforces our focus on advancing science to deliver hope and better patient health outcomes. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and this award is a testament to everyone’s collective effort at FinVector.”

What are the key milestones the company has achieved along its path?
“FinVector has achieved several milestones. A pivotal moment for us was the US FDA’s approval of our bladder cancer treatment [in 2022]. It was a landmark that underscores our transition from being a research and development company to a commercially viable gene-therapy manufacturing powerhouse. Additionally, the development of our Finport facility, a state-of-the-art manufacturing site [four-story, 25,000m2], is a key highlight. It not only creates high-quality jobs and brings skilled talent and taxpayer money to Kuopio, but also positions the city as a hub for health tech innovation and a growing ecosystem in Finland. The strong foundation laid by the University of Eastern Finland and the research facilities has been crucial in making this possible. Finport is expected to be fully operational in the next few years, and once it is it will be a cornerstone of our manufacturing capabilities and a beacon of innovation in the global gene-therapy landscape.”

Finport is set to become one of the world’s largest facilities for manufacturing gene therapy treatments.

How has FinVector achieved such rapid growth in recent years?
“Our rapid growth has been driven by our ability to attract top talent from around the world. We’ve expanded our team to approximately 500 professionals comprised of more than 50 nationalities. This diversity has been a significant factor in our success as it brings a wealth of perspectives and expertise to the table. We are proud to have built a truly global community here in Kuopio and welcomed people to Finland from all over the world.”

Our rapid growth has been driven by our ability to attract top talent from around the world. We’ve expanded our team to approximately 500 professionals comprised of more than 50 nationalities.

What lessons and challenges has the company faced along the way?
“We are transitioning from an R&D-focused organization to a commercial manufacturing unit. Rapid growth can create operational hiccups, but we’ve been fortunate to have a team of professionals who have navigated these challenges with skill and resilience. We’ve learned that flexibility and adaptability are key in such a dynamic industry, and these lessons have only strengthened our resolve to continue pushing the boundaries in the field of gene therapy.”

What advice would you offer to other Nordic life science companies?
“The Nordic region has a strong reputation for its commitment to quality, stable infrastructure, culture of innovation, and adherence to solid values. My advice would be to leverage these strengths by fostering collaboration within the industry, as well as with academic and research institutions and other partners within the ecosystem, to drive progress. Utilizing these characteristics and collaborating will also help to build brand recognition and improve access to more experience and know-how.”

We are focused on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in gene therapy, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us in the future.

What are your hopes and expectations for the future of FinVector? Where would you like to be in ten years?
“Looking back ten years to when Ferring Group and Trizell acquired FinVector, the progress we’ve made could not have been predicted. “Teamwork makes the dream work” is not just a saying here, it’s a principle that has guided us to where we are today. While it’s difficult to predict the exact trajectory of innovation over the next decade, our commitment to manufacturing cutting-edge precision medicine for patients and our partnership with Ferring remains steadfast. Our vision is to be a place where science gives hope. We are focused on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in gene therapy, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us in the future.”

About the author

Paula Pérez González-Anguiano, M.Sc. in Scientific, Medical and Environmental Communication, is a Science Journalist and Illustrator based in Barcelona, Spain.