2025-04-25
Sweden is launching a national coordination function (Samordningsfunktionen) for ATMP to boost collaboration across sectors and improve patient access to advanced therapies.
Efforts to establish a cross-sectoral national coordination function for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) are gaining momentum, thanks to new funding from Vinnova via Swelife. The initiative involves Sweden’s seven medical universities, university hospitals, and industry partners. It is now being structured as a formal project, with the goal of facilitating the creation of a sustainable, independent organization that enables broad, cross-sectoral coordination.
The purpose of the Coordination Function (Samordningsfunktionen) is to help position Sweden as a competitive player in the global ATMP field, with long-term goals including equal treatment opportunities for patients across the country, strengthened research conditions, and smoother translation of research into product development and manufacturing.
“This project support gives universities, university hospitals, and participating companies the necessary conditions to efficiently build what we know is needed – a sustainable organizational structure and a unified Sweden,” says Ewa Ellis, project leader and coordinator for the development of the National Coordination Function (Samordningsfunktionen) for ATMP.
“We’re pleased that the ATMP Sweden Association is joining the project as a partner in the development of a national coordination function for ATMP. This allows us to strengthen the ATMP Sweden brand and our shared communication platform,” adds Elias Uhlin, BioLamina and Chair of the ATMP Sweden Association.
The funding runs through the end of 2027 and enables us to drive the work forward with dedicated project support, strategic efforts in selected focus areas, targeted communication activities, and the establishment of a long-term organizational and financing model.
Dag Larsson, Lif, Chair of the Steering Committee
dag.larsson@lif.se | +46 70 311 17 27
Ewa Ellis, Karolinska ATMP Center
ewa.ellis@regionstockholm.se
ATMPs – cell and gene therapies, as well as tissue-engineered products – are the foundation of the next generation of biological medicines.
They offer entirely new opportunities for treating diseases, particularly for patients who currently lack effective treatment options.
Successful ATMP development requires close collaboration between basic research, clinical research within healthcare, and companies developing ATMPs and related technologies for research and production.
Sweden already has strong capabilities in this field, and improved coordination across key areas can further enhance our position.