Sweden

In line with its plan to expand into the Nordics, CNS specialist Neuraxpharm has established a new business unit in Stockholm and has recruited Viatris’ Magnus Wassén to lead it as general manager. The company is expecting Neuraxpharm Sweden to provide an immediate sales platform for Buccolam. 

OTC erectile dysfunction treatment Eroxon has made it to the Nordics through local distributor Navamedic, which has reported strong consumer uptake.

Cash is king for fledgling biosimilar companies. Xbrane Biopharma has revealed just how close it is to the edge after Biogen unexpectedly pulled the plug on a key licensing deal, but the company is maintaining optimism.

UK regulator the Food Standards Agency intends to assess the risks associated with consuming supplements containing ashwagandha and to determine whether a safe level of the herb can be established. The launch of the consultation follows warnings from regulators across Europe about the safety of ashwagandha, with its consumption linked to a number of adverse health effects.

Sweden’s Xbrane Biopharma has delivered updates for two of its more long-term projects, including a proposed biosimilar to Bristol Myers Squibb’s Opdivo for which it is actively seeking a partner.

Scotland’s health technology assessment body has agreed to reimburse Chiesi’s Elfabrio for Fabry disease, mirroring the decision from several other European countries – however, France turned down the rare disease drug, while Germany questioned its benefit.

Industry shoulders some blame for growing unease about joint clinical assessments after its failure to participate in pilots.

J&J says it has “exhausted all current viable avenues” to get its antidepressant nasal spray Spravato reimbursed on England’s National Health Service, after NICE decided against re-appraising the drug following numerous funding rejections.

Personalized dietary supplements firm Zinzino is actively targeting acquisitions in the US to grow its footprint, and is also keeping an eye out for opportunities in Asia Pacific.

In a for-now limited pool of chasers, Sweden’s Xbrane Biopharma has unveiled a milestone and business update for its proposed biosimilar to Bristol Myers Squibb’s major PD-1 inhibitor, Opdivo.

Pharmaceutical companies, NGOs, and patient organizations were among the 129 respondents to the European Commission’s consultation on its draft implementing act for joint clinical assessments – but opinions on the proposal were divided.

Opioid antagonist naloxone will soon be available without prescription in Sweden following a successful Rx-to-OTC application from Norway's DNE Pharma.

“We are extremely well aware of the consequences for investors that cannot protect their ownership share in this transaction,” Xbrane has told its investors, as the Swedish firm looks to tie up much-needed capital injection via a right issue to fuel its pipeline of biosimilar projects.

Emerging Company Profile: The Swedish biotech’s CEO Maria Lisa Knudsen believes that the firm’s two technologies make it an attractive prospective partner for big pharma. 

Former GSK Consumer Healthcare exec Theresa Agnew sees good opportunities for growth as Swedish probiotics player BioGaia, where she has served as CEO since the end of last year. 

The updated guidance will bring the country into line with Denmark, Norway and some other EU member states.

The EU’s critical medicines list should not grow too long, a Swedish pharmaceutical industry executive has warned.

When it comes to building innovative pipelines and raising cash, Scandinavia is giving the rest of Europe a run for its money.

A round-up of the latest appointments in Europe's health and wellness industries: Probi names Lindblad CFO; Alliance adds Sjöstedt and McKenzie to board; CMDh re-elects Stoep.

Europe could be hit by serious medicines shortages if too many markets enforce onerous stockpiling measures at the same time, the Swedish pharmaceutical industry group has claimed.