Highlights since 2023 include 11 approved drugs, over USD 1.1. billion generated through acquisitions, and a robust portfolio of more than 200 assets currently available for partnering.

To NLS Jessica Martinsson, CEO, SwedenBIO, states that the maturing Swedish pipeline stands out in this year’s report (58% of the projects in phase III in the 2023 pipeline report have since then made successful exits) and she also emphasizes the importance of attracting more clinical trials to Sweden.

A total of 152 pharma and biotech companies headquartered in Sweden are currently developing new drugs. 98 of these (64%) have projects in clinical trials.

The Swedish pharmaceutical pipeline 2026 consists of 518 projects. Approximately half of the projects are in discovery or preclinical stages and half in clinical phase I-III.

Maja Neiman, Project Lead, The Swedish Drug Discovery and Development Pipeline 2026. Photo: Eva Garmendia

Persistent challenges

“While the overall outlook remains positive, the latest data reveals, once again, persistent challenges – particularly in advancing projects from Phase II to Phase III. It is reasonable to attribute much of this to insufficient funding. Attracting more international investors is an area where Sweden can – and should – improve. We have much to offer: few countries can match Sweden in terms of renewable energy, a highly skilled workforce, vibrant industry clusters, and world-class research infrastructure. Notably, Sweden has once again reclaimed the top spot in the European Commission’s innovation ranking. We may not have everything, but we certainly offer a great deal to investors seeking stable, forward-looking opportunities,” states Jessica Martinsson, CEO, SwedenBIO in the pipeline report.