From research to patient – building the future innovation system for cell and gene therapies in southern Sweden
Sweden is rapidly establishing itself as a leader in advanced therapies, with Southern Sweden and Lund at the forefront. With 27 ATMP (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products) projects already active, the region combines world-class research, cutting-edge infrastructure such as MAX IV and ESS, and strong public–private collaboration to push the boundaries of modern medicine.
A major step forward is the newly funded ATMP Path2Patient programme, a regional initiative designed to bridge the critical gap between pioneering research and patient access. Its long-term goal is to sustainably increase the number of company start-ups, accelerate the translation of cutting-edge research, and bring potentially curative ATMP treatments to patients with high medical need faster. Achieving this requires a systems-thinking approach: partners will increase their collective understanding of the opportunities and challenges within the ATMP field while building networks and developing new processes, methods, and tools in test and innovation environments.
In Lund, this mission is already taking shape with dedicated infrastructures. The Pre-GMP facility at Lund University’s Biomedical Centre (BMC) offers researchers the opportunity to adapt processes, perform technical verification, and address quality considerations ahead of GMP manufacturing. Complementing this, the GMP-compliant ATMP Centre located within Skåne University Hospital (SUS) provides cleanroom facilities where therapies can be prepared for clinical studies and patient treatment. Together, these facilities form a continuous pipeline from early academic discovery to clinical application.
The region’s innovation ecosystem plays an equally vital role. LU Innovation, Medicon Village Innovation, and the SmiLe Venture Hub connect research with entrepreneurship, ensuring that promising ideas are nurtured and supported on the path towards commercialisation. SmiLe Venture Hub, in particular, contributes expertise and resources for the early stages of company formation. Within the project, researchers and entrepreneurs will also gain greater access to essential resources such as specialised skills, networks, and capital via Medicon Village and LU Innovation programmes. This is crucial, as the majority of ATMP projects fail to reach patients not because of safety concerns, but because of commercial challenges. By addressing these barriers early through stronger collaboration, the region increases the likelihood that groundbreaking therapies will reach the market.
The project is also aligned with the priorities of the Research and Innovation Council of Skåne (FIRS), which highlights ATMPs as a strategic area with the potential to revolutionise healthcare by treating severe and currently incurable diseases. Yet ATMP development is complex and does not follow traditional pharmaceutical business models, which is why coordinated commercialisation support, technical platforms, and innovation environments are so crucial. By strengthening these areas, the project will significantly improve the chances of success for both academic researchers and emerging companies in developing and commercialising ATMPs.
Through close regional cooperation between academia, hospitals, innovation actors, investors, and industry, Southern Sweden is building an internationally leading ecosystem for ATMP innovation. With Path2Patient and its partners, the region is creating the infrastructure, support systems, and collaborative culture required to translate world-class research into therapies that make a real societal impact.
The ATMP Path2Patient initiative is co-funded by the EU. For more information on the ATMP Path2Patient programme, please contact:
Francesco Bez
Innovation Manager, Medicon Village Innovation
francesco.bez@mediconvillage.se