Students gathered to discuss internationalisation and ethics, together with the lecturer Øyvind Kongstun Arnesen, former CEO of Ultimovacs. Photo: Elisabeth Kirkeng Andersen

Internationalisation and ethics

Klasserom

This article was first published on our School Collaboration website in Norwegian.

The students at Ullern Upper Secondary School faced great philosophical questions in the classroom, when Øyvind Kongstun Arnesen visited in April. This turned into an exciting and relevant session about strategy, ethical distribution of vaccines and many other things.

On Tuesday, the 20th of April, half of the students of entrepreneurship are present in the classroom, while the rest follow the session via video link. This is “the new normal” as education is adapted to the health regulations during a pandemic.

The subject today is internationalisation and ethics. Øyvind Kongstun Arnesen has been brought in as lecturer to start the discussion and share his experiences.

Kongstun Arnesen has long experience as doctor, medical director in several global pharmaceutical companies, former CEO of the vaccine company Ultimovacs and, chairman and member of the board in several companies.

The students heard him speak about raising funds earlier during the school year. You can read more about the lecture in this article: Fundraising on the curriculum

“Born global”

Øyvind Kongstun Arnesen inspired the students with his reflections on and experiences of internationalisation and ethics in the pharmaceutical industry.

Øyvind Kongstun Arnesen inspired the students with his reflections on and experiences of internationalisation and ethics in the pharmaceutical industry. Photo: Elisabeth Kirkeng Andersen

Kongstun Arnesen tells the students that Norwegian biotech companies, such as Ultimovacs that he led for 10 years, are known as “born global”. It means that going international is not a matter up for discussion, it is a necessity.

“The Norwegian market is so small that it isn’t an option to develop a treatment only to be used in Norway. The cancer vaccine from Ultimovacs needs to be developed abroad in clinical studies, and the same goes for the approval of it, so the company has a strong international presence from day one,” says Kongstun Arnesen.

An important strategic choice for companies that develop medicines is whether to go all the way to sell it on the market on their own or to licence the product to a big pharmaceutical company.

“This isn’t only a choice that biotech companies must make. My neighbour, for instance, sells hats. They are building a brand and the strategy is to build a brand large enough that the company will be attractive for an acquisition in the future. Ultimovacs has almost the same strategy. We have developed, and the company still develops, a product good enough that it is attractive for licencing,” says Kongstun Arnesen.

The marketing of the company is an important element to succeed with a strategy for acquisition or licencing. Ultimovacs needs to reach international pharmaceutical companies, and not the general public. The pharmaceutical companies are potential collaboration partners and clients.

One of the students wonders which collaboration partners Ultimovacs already has.

“There are three larger pharmaceutical companies we work with: Bristol Myers-Squibb, Merck and Astra Zeneca,” says Kongstun Arnesen.

At the sound of the name Astra Zeneca, the questions from students come flooding and they ask about corona vaccines and the distribution of vaccines in the world today.

Corona vaccines and ethics

Student: “Can for example the corona vaccine from Astra Zeneca create mistrust towards the cancer vaccine that Ultimovacs is developing?”

Kongstun Arnesen: “No, I don’t think so. Cancer vaccines are completely different. It is a vaccine that removes serious disease. This is something separate from the vaccination against the corona virus to prevent serious disease. Also, very few people get the side effects from the Astra Zeneca vaccine. You could ask how many more would die from corona if they are not vaccinated with this vaccine, but we don’t hear about this in the media.”

Student: “I have heard talk that EU don’t want to licence the corona vaccines to Africa. Is this right and can they decide that?

Kongstun Arnesen: “That is a good question. I will get back to the question of distributing vaccines globally, but first I want to go back a bit in history.”

In the series It’s a sin from 2020, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is portrayed through a group of friends in London.

In the series It’s a sin from 2020, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is portrayed through a group of friends in London.

“You may not remember the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We first discovered the disease in homosexual men, and then in other people too. They died of immune deficiency, and there was a race to produce medicines against this. I was a general practitioner in Lofoten when this was at its worst in Norway. The authorities were working with a ‘worst case scenario’ in which 30% of the Norwegian population would die. When the medicines came, it was like turning off a switch. The patients who had been admitted to hospital before there were medicines, were admitted to die. When the first doses came, the patients became well and were discharged.

“The question was: How can we distribute the medicines over the world? HIV/AIDS was a much greater problem in Africa – in other words, in countries that could not afford the medicines. The pharma companies started giving away licences for free or at very large discounts to a factory in India that produced vaccines, which were then sold to poor countries. This made the medicines available to many more people.

“Another way of doing this is, for example, through the organisation COVAX. This is a collaboration between wealthy countries that buy vaccines for poor countries.

“A challenge is that the companies that develop new vaccines or medicines need to have an economic incentive to do this, they cannot develop medicines for free. Israel negotiated by themselves with the pharmaceutical industry to buy vaccines against corona, but they have also paid five times the price as many other countries, and not everyone can afford this.

“If you ask me, the distribution of pharmaceuticals in the world today is completely unethical and, in many ways, characterised by the pharmaceutical industry being extortioners. They develop medicines that can save lives and can set a high price. At the same time, they could make a choice and say to the owners or investors that they wish to set a reasonable price for the medicine, and not to have maximal profit. We had this discussion with our owners in Ultimovacs and it made me happy to see that the owners were positive to us not setting the maximum possible price.”

After a while, the questions multiplied, and a lively discussion ensued. We will not repeat everything here, that would make the article too long, but we will include one last question.

Student: “Why don’t we produce vaccines in Norway?”

Kongstun Arnesen: “We don’t have a vaccine factory in Norway. We had one about seven or eight years ago at the Institute of Public Health. When it was decided to close down the factory, an international company wished to acquire parts of the equipment and set up their own production of vaccines here. The Norwegian authorities became too demanding in the negotiations and the company chose to invest in building a factory in a different country instead. Norway lost the negotiations because they asked for a too high price, and then one thing led to another.”

Chelsea Ranger, NLSDays Program Director and NLSInvest Committee Co-Chair, spoke at the opening of NLSDays 2021, the first digital Nordic Life Science Days.

Bridging gaps at NLSDays 2021

Chelsea Ranger, Program Committee, NLSDays

Did you miss the Nordic Life Science Days this week? Here is a summary of Oslo Cancer Cluster’s activities.

The largest partnering conference for the life science industry in the Nordics was successfully converted to a virtual format this week.

“Going digital has allowed new participants to join who might not have otherwise done. This includes investors across all time zones, US to Asian Pacific, in record numbers: 179, in fact,” said Chelsea Ranger, NLSDays Program Director and NLSInvest Committee Co-Chair.

A day for start-ups to meet investors, a digital showcase room, one-on-one partnering and a three-day programme with inspiring sessions were all part of the conference.

“We’ve done some things differently in the programme, including a central theme: Bridging the Gaps, to address narrowing the boundaries across our region, better linking traditional and nontraditional sectors, and a focus on gender diversity. In this, we have focused not only on individual national strengths, but on the combined values of our Nordic Region as a joint success in life sciences,” continued Ranger.

Chelsea Ranger, Director of NLSDays

Chelsea Ranger, NLSDays Program Director

The main programme included engaging topics on data, microbiome, new vaccine technologies, and the integration of technology and digitalisation. It also included the most first-time speakers and most female speakers (over 50%) than all previous NLSDays events.

Connecting investors with start-ups

More than 80 early-stage life science companies pitched to investors on the one-day pre-event called NLSInvest – a brand new component of the conference. The presentations spanned across three dedicated tracks: biotech/pharmamedtech/diagnostics and digital/e-health.

Among the presenting companies were Oslo Cancer Cluster members Adjutec Pharma, Kongsberg Beam Technology and Hemispherian. The companies had prepared video presentations in advance, highlighting the unique features of their innovations and ambitious business development plans.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to pitch to international investors at NLSInvest and being presented as one of the Nordics’ 80 Rising Stars,” said Kerstin Jakobsson, CEO of Kongsberg Beam Technology.

Kerstin Jakobsson, CEO of Kongsberg Beam Technology

Kerstin Jakobsson, CEO of Kongsberg Beam Technology

“To be named a Rising Star means the company gains more exposure than what would have been possible. I hope this pre-event will take place again next year, because it is important to show all the promising medtech, biotech and pharma companies in the Nordics.”

Strong Norwegian life science presence

Oslo Cancer Cluster gathered with its life science partners in Norway for a digital showcase, offering both exposure and networking opportunities. The purpose is to promote the growing Norwegian life science ecosystem and increase collaboration between Norway and the Nordics.

The delegation included Norway Health Tech, Aleap, University of Oslo: Life Science, The Life Science Cluster, Inven2, NORIN, Nansen Neuroscience Network, LMI, Innovation Norway and The Norwegian Research Council. Here are a few of their comments:

“Nordic Life Science Days is a great occasion to get the latest updates from the life science’ communities in the Nordic countries and to network with others, the Norwegian delegates included,” said Morten Egeberg, Administrative Leader at University of Oslo: Life Science.

Morten Egeberg

Morten Egeberg, Administrative Leader at UiO:Life Science

Beate Rygg Johnsen, Senior Adviser of Innovation and Industry Collaboration at the Centre for Digital Life Norway, agreed:

“The opportunity to meet with many potential players in the ecosystem in a short time is really valuable to us. Only yesterday, I attended several meetings together with one of our research projects.”

Beate Rygg Johnsen

Beate Rygg Johnsen, Senior adviser at the Centre for Digital Life

“We are happy to participate in making Norwegian life science visible, showing what Norway can offer as a country, and attract potential investors and collaboration partners in science and innovation,” said Espen Snipstad, Head of Communications in LMI.

Espen Snipstad, LMI

Espen Snipstad, Head of Communications, LMI

 

Spotlight on precision medicine

As part of the main programme, Oslo Cancer Cluster presented Super Session 5: From Population to Precision. The 90-minute online session included presentations from representatives of biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies, and investment funds. This was followed by an engaging panel discussion between the speakers and included questions from the audience.

“This session highlighted the increasing importance of novel diagnostics solutions. Drivers are the Precision Medicine Revolution, the convergence between hardware, software and data, and of course the current pandemic,” said Jutta Heix, member of the NLSDays programme committee and Head of International Affairs, Oslo Cancer Cluster.

Jutta Heix, Head of International Affairs, OCC

Jutta Heix, member of the NLSdays programme committee and Head of International Affairs, Oslo Cancer Cluster

“The speakers illustrated challenges and opportunities for bringing products to the market in a set of complementary presentations. Both, Seald from Norway and Elypta from Sweden are examples for recent Nordic innovations in cancer diagnostics and we hope to see more diagnostic innovation building on Nordic research, data and biomarker expertise in the future,” Heix continued.

NLSDays Super session 5

Participants of NLSDays Super Session 5: From Population to Precision.

Thank you to the participants of Super Session 5 – From Population to Precision (pictured above):

  • Abdel Halim, Vice President at Taiho Oncology
  • Maria Orr, Head of Precision Medicine, Biopharmaceuticals at AstraZeneca
  • Karin Conde-Knape, Corporate Vice President at Novo Nordisk
  • Tove Cecilie Viebe, CEO at Seald
  • Karl Bergman, CEO at Elypta
  • Patrik Sobocki, Venture Investor at Industrifonden
  • Moderator: Mike Ward, Global Head of Healthcare Thought Leadership at Clarivate

 

Thank you for a fantastic week. We hope to see you again at the next Nordic Life Science Days!

Cancer researcher Anette Weyergang demonstrates the PCI technology to Norway's Prime Minister Erna Solberg. Photo: Oslo Cancer Cluster Innovation Park

Granted PDT/PCI projects 2021

IKKE BRUK! Erna Solberg visits PCI BiotechNTB (Vi har ikke lisens, sletter ikke bildet fordi vi skal kjøpe det, mars 2022)

Radforsk Investment Foundation has granted five research projects a total amount of NOK 4,95 million to further develop exciting research projects within photodynamic treatment and photochemical internalization. Cancer researcher Pål Selbo receives NOK 3,75 million for his project.

Radforsk Investment Foundation is an evergreen investor focusing on companies that develop cancer treatment.

“Radforsk has invested NOK 205 million of its profit back into cancer research at Oslo University Hospital. Of these, NOK 32 million, have gone to research in PDT/PCI. This year, we grant five projects a total of NOK 4,95 million,” says Jónas Einarsson, CEO of Radforsk Investment Foundation.

Radforsk had received a total of six applications by the deadline of 15 January 2021. The applications have been assessed by external experts.

This year, one of the projects has been awarded a total of NOK 3,75 million over three years. It is a project led by researcher Pål Selbo at the Department of Cancer Research entitled “Novel Photobiological Strategies Counteracting Tumor Immune Escape”.

“This is exciting research aiming to apply PCI technology in the field of immunotherapy. Pål has extensive experience as a researcher in the field, so it’s fun that he went all the way to the top with this application,” says Einarsson.

 Pål Kristian Selbo Project leader, Senior scientist; PhD

Pål Kristian Selbo,
Project leader, Senior scientist; PhD at Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital. Photo: Oslo University Hospital.

“It is fantastic and very motivating to receive such great support from Radforsk. This means that I can finally realize this project,” says Pål Selbo.

The researchers who have received funding for PDT/PCI research in 2021 are:

  • Anette Weyergang
  • Beáta Grallert
  • Mouldy Sioud
  • Pål Selbo
  • Petras Juzenas

PDT/PCI:

Cancer research in the field of photodynamic therapy and photochemical internalisation studies the use of light in direct cancer treatment in combination with drugs, or to deliver drugs that can treat cancer to cells or organs.

Ketil Widerberg, daglig leder i Oslo Cancer Cluster, var med i høring digitalt i Finanskomiteen 22.3.2021. Video: Stortinget

Innspill til Perspektivmeldingen

Skjermbilde av Ketil - daglig leder av OCC

Oslo Cancer Cluster har uttalt seg om Perspektivmeldingen 2021. Vårt hovedpoeng er at helsenæring må være en større del av regjeringens strategi for norsk økonomi.

Hvert fjerde år legger Finansdepartementet fram en Stortingsmelding om utfordringer i norsk økonomi de neste førti årene, og regjeringens strategier for dem. Denne kalles Perspektivmeldingen.

Oslo Cancer Cluster deltok i høringen av denne meldingen i Stortingets Finanskomité 22. mars 2021. Flere andre aktører innen kreft og helse deltok også i høringen, blant annet Kreftforeningen, Norway Health Tech, Legeforeningen og Pårørendealliansen.

Helsenæringens potensial for norsk økonomi var et gjennomgangstema.

Helsenæringens aspekter

Perspektivmeldingen poengterer hvor viktig det blir med offentlig-privat samarbeid og investeringer i helsenæring fremover. Videre nevner meldingen at ny teknologi i helse bidrar til økt ressursbruk og økt levealder med flere funksjonsdyktige leveår. Dermed fører ny teknologi også til et økt skattegrunnlag for finansiering av offentlige velferdsordninger.

– Det er gode elementer som er med. Samtidig er det flere aspekter ved helsenæring som Oslo Cancer Cluster savner, og som vi ønsker å trekke frem, sa Ketil Widerberg, daglig leder i Oslo Cancer Cluster, under høringen.

Se Ketil Widerbergs innspill på video:

 

Det første aspektet som Oslo Cancer Cluster savner i Perspektivmeldingen, er at både uventede og forventede hendelser i helse gir store kostnader.

Uventede hendelser, som Covid19, har store budsjettkonsekvenser. I tillegg til kostnadene med nedstengte samfunn, er det store kostnader forbundet med innkjøp av teknologi til sporing, testing, behandling og vaksinering.

Forventede hendelser er for eksempel antallet nordmenn som får kreft og antallet som overlever kreftsykdom. Før fylte 75 år har nå én av tre nordmenn fått minst en kreftdiagnose, og dette tallet øker, ifølge Kreftregisteret. Det er også flere og flere som overlever og må leve med følgene av kreftsykdom. En slik prognose vil påvirke Norges finanser, og ved å utvikle norsk helsenæring blir ikke Norge stående kun på kjøpersiden, men vil også få inntekter fra et av verdens største og økende markeder.

Det andre aspektet er de økonomiske mulighetene. Slik ressursbruken i helse kan bidra til et økt skattegrunnlag, vil også store kostnader i helse representere store økonomiske muligheter for norsk helsenæring.

Norge har så langt bidratt til milliardeventyr i helse med blant annet Ugelstadkuler fra Dynal, som er sentrale i Covid19-testing, og med kreftmedisin fra Algeta og Vaccibody. Sistnevnte utvider nå sin vaksineplattform fra kreft til neste generasjons Covid 19-vaksiner.

– Dersom vi i Norge tilrettelegger godt for innovasjon innen helse og konkret følger opp Stortingsmeldingen om Helsenæringen, vil den voksende utgiftssiden også bli en voksende inntektsstrøm. Det er gode perspektiver, sa Ketil Widerberg under høringen.

Det tredje aspektet er økt samarbeid mellom det offentlige og privat næringsliv gjennom modne helseklynger.

– De norske klyngene er en etablert arena for samhandling mellom offentlig og privat sektor. Vi er også pådrivere for internasjonalt samarbeid og kunnskapssamarbeid. I tillegg legger vi til rette for kommersialisering av samfunnsnyttige, forskningsbaserte innovasjoner, og vi jobber med å koble bedrifter som søker finansiering med investorer og prosjekter. Dermed er vi med på å sikre nye selskaper viktig tilgang til kapital. Dette gir bedre kanalisering av tilgjengelig kapital, og er nettopp det Kapitaltilgangsutvalget ønsker mer av, sa Widerberg.

Spørsmål fra politikere

Oslo Cancer Cluster fikk spørsmål fra stortingsrepresentantene Sigbjørn Gjelsvik (Senterpartiet) og Ola Elvestuen (Venstre) under høringen. Spørsmålene var:

  • Hvilken rolle mener dere at det offentlige skal ha i et offentlig-privat samarbeid i helse?
  • Kan dere si noe mer om samarbeidet med helseforetakene om næringsutvikling og teknologiutvikling?

I denne videoen svarer Ketil Widerberg på spørsmålene:

 

Flere vil sikre helseklyngene

Kreftforeningen talte for at alle nå må gjøre alvor av satsingen på helsenæringen, blant annet gjennom å sikre finansiering av helseklyngene.

– Det er på tide å gjøre alvor av satsingen på helsenæringen. Vi må lykkes med å styrke samarbeidet mellom det offentlige, det private, akademia og ideell sektor. Et viktig ledd i denne satsingen må være å sikre finansieringen av klyngene på helseområdet, sa Thomas Axelsen, leder for samfunnspolitisk seksjon i Kreftforeningen, og viste til klyngene som deltok i høringen.

Axelsen understreket også behovet for umiddelbar handling:

– Vi må investere i teknologi og innovasjon i dag mens vi har et handlingsrom for å gjøre det, og sørge for at vi får på plass gode avtaler mellom det offentlige, det private og ideell sektor, slik at vi står klare neste gang vi trenger det.

Se videoen av Kreftforeningens innspill her.

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