Sweden Faces Urgent Need to Boost Pharmaceutical Innovation and Market Access to Stay Competitive

Mario Klesse, CEO of Johnson & Johnson Nordic and Sweden, has sounded the alarm about Sweden’s diminishing competitive position in life science innovation due to geopolitical changes, pricing pressures, and evolving research conditions. He warns that these factors risk pushing pharmaceutical research, production, and innovation abroad from Sweden.

Currently, Swedish patients have access to only about half of the medications available internationally, and it takes over a year for new treatments to be available on the Swedish market. This delay undermines the healthcare system and erodes patient trust. Klesse emphasizes that investing in the pharmaceutical sector is not just a health imperative but an economic one, highlighting that every krona invested returns at least two kronor to society through longer lifespans, improved productivity, and reduced healthcare costs.

He calls for urgent, coordinated action to harmonize efforts among industry, healthcare, and academia, alongside significant increases in public investment in health and pharmaceuticals. Without swift measures, Sweden risks losing its historically strong position in life science innovation. Klesse stresses that addressing these challenges is crucial both for sustaining growth and maintaining a healthy population.