Potential for Nordic collaboration on innovation, development and production of vaccines

English version of the report:

Nordic joint feasibility study_potential for collaboation on innovation, development and production of vaccines_VR 2022_03.pdf

This report is the result of the Government's assignment to conduct a study on the potential for mutual benefit of Nordic co - operation in innovation, development and production of vaccines. The report has been produced in collaboration with RISE, and in dialogue with authorities in Norway (Innovation Norway), Finland (Business Finland), Denmark) (Statens Serum Institut) and consultant in Iceland): Landas EHF)).

The purpose of this report is to be a knowledge base to be able to assess the potential for in-depth Nordic co-operation in vaccine development. The overall goal of such potential co-operation is stronger Nordic funding for Europe's resilience and to promote Nordic competitiveness in vaccine development and manufacturing.

The report contains an overview of the Nordic capacity in the vaccine production value chain; from preclinical development to clinical trials. The report also describes investments and initiatives that are relevant to vaccine production in the Nordic region, as well as selected EU and international initiatives.

The compiled knowledge base about the Nordic countries shows that the resources for the development and manufacture of vaccines are unevenly distributed across the Nordic countries. The Nordic countries are today heavily dependent on commercial vaccines that are developed and produced outside the region, and the parts of the vaccine development and production value chain that exist in the Nordic region are largely dependent on a large number of globally distributed suppliers.

However, several areas of strength have been identified in the region which can be developed and built on. These include solid academic research on vaccines and immunotherapy, national infrastructure for research, innovation and clinical trials, and researchable patient records. In addition, large global pharmaceutical companies and CMO / CDMOs have capacity for vaccine development and production in the Nordic region.

Other areas of strength include the formulation and development of adjuvants, matrices and access to specialized delivery and support systems, as well as biotechnology and startup companies that develop tools, expression systems, vaccine development platforms and other solutions that support the development of next-generation vaccines.

Our hope is that this report will be a valuable basis for continued planning of how the Nordic countries can co-operate in innovation, development and production of vaccines.

The content is aimed at ministries, authorities, decision-makers and researchers who are interested in contributing to continued development in the vaccine area in the Nordic region.