Nordic Life Science 1
BUSINESS // COMMENTARY Biotech powerhouses and bo
ld innovators Finland’s cancer biotech scene is remarkably dynamic for such a small nation. From RNA-based therapies and oncolytic viruses to next-generation diagnostics and advanced manufacturing, Finnish innovators are redefining what’s possible in oncology. Here are some of the companies (in alphabetical order) turning scientific breakthroughs into clinical impact. ATB Antivirals – Tackling HPV-associated disease Formed from the merger of Anison Therapeutics and Therapeutica Borealis, Turku-based ATB Antivirals is developing therapies for human papillomavirus (HPV)–associated diseases, including a topical treatment for genital warts and future applications aimed at HPV-related cancers. Aurlide – Virtual molecules, real medicines Turku-based Aurlide uses advanced in-silico drug-discovery tools to design and optimize new therapeutic molecules through computer modeling. Its expertise in virtual screening and molecular simulation demonstrates how Finnish computational science is accelerating oncology drug design. 3PBiovian – A full-service CDMO Biovian offers full-service CDMO solutions from process development to GMP production, enabling biotech innovators to scale new therapies safely and efficiently. Care4Living – Microbial production for cancer medicines Turku-based Care4Living specializes in fermentation-based drug manufacturing using bacteria and other microbes to produce complex compounds such as cancer therapies, antibiotics, and immunosuppressants. The company’s approach enables production processes that would be extremely challenging or lengthy by traditional chemical synthesis. Care4Living’s deep microbial-expertise and international client base highlight its role as a trusted partner in scalable biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Faron Pharmaceuticals – Reawakening the immune system Faron Pharmaceuticals, based in Turku, is developing bexmarilimab, a cancer therapy designed to help the immune system better recognize and attack tumors. It works by targeting a protein called Clever-1, found on certain immune cells that can become “switched off ” inside tumors. By reactivating these cells, bexmarilimab aims to boost the body’s natural defense against cancer. Ferring Ventures – The foundation for advanced therapies The Kuopio Center for Gene and Cell Therapy (KCT), owned by Ferring Ventures, focuses on developing nextgeneration gene and cell therapies, helping researchers turn early scientific discoveries into treatments for solid cancers. Its expertise and facilities make Kuopio a leading Finnish hub for advanced therapy medicinal products. FinVector – Manufacturing excellence FinVector, part of Ferring Pharmaceuticals, is a GMP-certified producer of viral vectors and the manufacturer of Adstiladrin, an FDA-approved gene therapy for bladder cancer. Kohde Pharma – Targeting MTAP-deleted tumors Kohde Pharma is working on therapies for MTAP-deleted tumors, a genetic alteration found in about 10–15% of cancers. The company secured its first investment in spring 2025 from the FDDC, which also supports its drug discovery program. Kohde uses patient-derived data and AI to uncover new therapeutic targets and aims to move from early hit identification toward clinical development. RNatives – RNA-based precision therapies RNatives is developing RNA activation therapies for rare diseases, eye disorders, and oncology. Its proprietary RNAIntel platform enables targeted activation of therapeutic genes using small RNAs, offering a novel alternative to gene editing. By harnessing endogenous gene regulation, RNatives aims to restore function safely and precisely. Orion Corporation – Legacy meets innovation Orion, Finland’s largest pharmaceutical company, is advancing oncology with a strong focus on solid tumors. Orion scientists have a long history in developing innovative, orally delivered small molecule drugs and now also utilize biologics such as antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates to adress targets beyond the reach of small molecules. Orion’s diversified pipeline and international collaborations reflect a long-term commitment to oncology. Orion is committed to understanding the underlying mechanisms of a patient’s disease and applying this knowledge to discover new cancer drugs. 76 | NORDICLIFESCIENCE.ORG