Uppsala University Honors BioArctic's Innovators with Prestigious Prize for Alzheimer's Breakthrough

Uppsala University Honors Innovators in Alzheimer's Research

In a momentous announcement, Uppsala University recognized the pioneering contributions of BioArctic AB's founders, Lars Lannfelt and Pär Gellerfors, alongside the CEO, Gunilla Osswald, awarding them the prestigious Innovation and Entrepreneurship Prize. This accolade is a testament to their remarkable efforts in tackling the pressing global health challenge of Alzheimer’s disease.

The award committee highlighted the recipients' groundbreaking research and adept business strategies that have significantly advanced the treatment landscape for Alzheimer’s patients. This innovative journey led to the development of an antibody-based drug, lecanemab, which has been hailed as a potential life-changer for millions suffering from this neurodegenerative disease.

Lars Lannfelt, a professor emeritus at Uppsala University, shared his pride and excitement. He reflected on his journey, which began in the 1990s when he first identified key aspects of Alzheimer’s disease. It was during this period that he envisioned the potential of an antibody that could slow down the disease's progression. This vision materialized when Lannfelt co-founded BioArctic in 2003 with fellow founder Pär Gellerfors, setting the stage for significant pharmaceutical advancements.

Pär Gellerfors emphasized their ambition to build BioArctic into a prominent pharmaceutical entity focused on both research and commercialization, aiming to revitalize the Swedish pharmaceutical landscape after its earlier decline. This commitment remains unwavering, as they continue to develop impactful treatments in the industry.

Currently, lecanemab has received approval in eleven countries, including major markets like the USA, Japan, and China. The team is actively pursuing further approvals in 17 additional regions, including Europe, marking a significant step in making their innovation accessible to patients worldwide.

Gunilla Osswald, who has been leading BioArctic since 2014, expressed her gratitude for being part of a team that is making a tangible difference in the lives of patients globally. Her commitment to helping those in need has always been her driving motivation. She shared that the collaboration with Lannfelt and Gellerfors has been instrumental in realizing a shared vision of transforming research into practical solutions that benefit society.

The Uppsala University's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Prize, established in 2021, serves to celebrate individuals or teams that effectively translate academic discoveries into successful commercial ventures with clear societal benefits. The award comes with a substantial monetary prize of 500,000 SEK, made possible by generous donations from the foundation’s founders.

BioArctic, a biopharmaceutical company rooted in Swedish research, aims to innovate treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Their flagship product, Leqembi® (lecanemab), has distinguished itself as a cutting-edge therapy that can decelerate Alzheimer’s progression while reducing cognitive decline in early-stage patients. This innovative biopharma firm not only focuses on Alzheimer’s but also pursues promising solutions for disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and ALS, utilizing their proprietary BrainTransporter™ technology to enhance drug delivery effectively.

For those interested in learning more about BioArctic and their pioneering efforts, further information is available at BioArctic's official website. Their mission to change the trajectory of neurodegenerative diseases is both inspiring and crucial to the future of medical health innovations.

As they celebrate this significant achievement, the team at BioArctic embodies the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial excellence, making strides in the ongoing battle against Alzheimer’s—one patient at a time.