From one-person companies to global giants – PharmaRelations supports the entire life science sector

Tell us about PharmaRelations. What do you help life science companies with, and what types of companies are your main clients?

– PharmaRelations has been on the market since 1997. We have grown across several business areas as well as geographically. Today, we are present throughout the Nordics and cover the entire life science industry, from preclinical to post-marketing. You could say we are a pharmaceutical company without our own product, but we provide all the services that exist within the industry, says Daniel Strömblad.

– Today, PharmaRelations has about 270 employees. As Daniel mentioned, we support pharmaceutical companies in drug development, but also MedTech companies with product development. We also work with clients who want to launch their products in the Nordic region with market entry, which is very exciting, adds Beatrice Öström.

– Our clients range from the smallest biotech companies, sometimes even one-person businesses, to the largest corporations. We can provide support on an hourly basis or for specific tasks, and our consultants bring broad experience from many different companies. In this way, we can really help the entire spectrum of life science companies, Daniel continues.

You recently started offering CRO services in clinical trials. What gap did you see in the market when you took that step?

– Previously, we mainly worked with sponsor oversight, particularly for small and medium-sized biotech companies, but we saw a need for a more local provider, one that is close to the client, understands their challenges, and can work flexibly and pragmatically, says Beatrice.

– For smaller companies, it can feel reassuring to have a closer relationship with PharmaRelations instead of working with a global provider where influence is more limited, adds Daniel.

What do you see as the biggest challenges for small companies conducting their first clinical trials?

– For small companies, financing is often a major challenge. As a small business, you cannot employ all the experts you need, so you have to bring in consultants for advice. Entrepreneurs who start companies often have broad backgrounds, but that’s where we can step in as experts and fill knowledge gaps. Since we have as many as 270 employees, we have experts in all areas, which many small companies appreciate. They don’t need to hire external specialists elsewhere but can get advice internally from us. Many CROs don’t offer the full spectrum, for example, market access, but we do, which means we can support the client all the way, says Beatrice.

– Thanks to our broad base of consultants, we can tailor solutions for clients, from advisory to project management to hands-on operational work. We can cover the entire process and serve as a sounding board with experienced consultants, Daniel continues.

What is most exciting about your jobs?

– For me, the most exciting part is the breadth, getting the full picture of clinical trials. I’ve seen several parts of the pharma industry, from QA to clinical trials, medical, and commercial, and it’s great to have that full perspective. The focus is very different between areas: clinical trials are about design and execution, while medical and commercial are more about the results, says Daniel.

– For me, it’s fantastic to meet small biotech companies and entrepreneurs with their ideas. You learn something new every day. We can step in as experts and support them over a longer period, which feels truly meaningful. We are passionate about life science in the Nordics and want to contribute to the growth of the field, says Beatrice.

What is your favorite place in Hagastaden?

– I have worked near Hagastaden for many years, and before it was just a big trench with railway tracks and traffic, not very inspiring. Now, you see a new district that has emerged, with parks and children playing. It’s fantastic, says Daniel.

– Forskaren is my favorite spot. You can really feel the innovation and entrepreneurship there. It’s exciting to see Stockholm developing a life science hub similar to what we have in Skåne and Denmark, says Beatrice.

– Yes, the district has really come alive. Previously, there was only a Prisextra supermarket down by Norra Stationsgatan, and it was always windy. Now, there are both homes and offices, which makes for a great mix, Daniel concludes.

pharmarelations website