What is the current status of the pharmaceutical industry in Norway, and what are the key items at the top of LMI’s agenda?

The pharmaceutical industry in Norway holds great potential, and LMI, the umbrella association for the industry, is focused on several key items. One of our priorities is the Norwegian government’s White Paper on the Health Industry, which outlines the development of the healthcare industry and the national healthcare service. We aim to support the government’s efforts in these areas.

At the beginning of 2020, our board of directors identified three main issues to focus on: market access, the development of the Norwegian healthcare industry, and preparation for the upcoming 2021 general elections. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, these priorities remain unchanged, although the way we work has been adapted.

We face challenges regarding collaboration between healthcare professionals and the pharmaceutical industry, medicine pricing, and the access and use of real-world data (RWD). Accessing and utilizing RWD is crucial for improving healthcare services and fostering industry development.

What market access and pricing challenges are currently faced by LMI’s members?

We believe that there needs to be a new and improved dialogue on utilizing health data for the benefit of all in regulatory processes. The Norwegian decision-makers have recently shown openness to new price and payment solutions, which is a step towards modernization and future treatment adaptation.

LMI is actively engaged in providing input and being a constructive partner in this process. We aim to build trust and dispel the perception that pharmaceutical companies seek to take advantage of the Norwegian healthcare system.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also put significant pressure on Norway’s health department and budgets. The government’s spread prevention strategy has strained finances, and at some point, public spending will be impacted. As an industry, we must respect the authorities’ challenges and demonstrate how we can contribute to society. Through increased trust and credibility, we have come out of the pandemic with improved relationships.

LMI has also been actively engaging with stakeholders such as patient organizations in the fight against COVID-19, seeking new ways of collaboration based on shared interests and goals.

Although Norway has great potential for clinical trials, the number of trials is declining. What is LMI doing to address this decline?

The Norwegian government allocates nearly NOK 20 million annually to hospitals for clinical trials. LMI has been working closely with hospitals to ensure effective utilization of these funds and to demonstrate how clinical trials can provide early patient access to innovative medicines. Building partnerships between hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry is crucial to establish trust and productive collaboration. We have also focused on engaging specialist doctors to foster trust and collaboration between them and the industry.

Demonstrating the successes of Norway’s pharmaceutical industry to stakeholders and politicians is essential. We need to showcase the investments and contributions our companies can make to healthcare in Norway. By strengthening public-private partnerships and implementing pilot projects, we can build a stronger healthcare industry.

LMI represents a diverse range of companies in the life sciences sector. What are the challenges of bringing such diverse companies together?

Building a more powerful and unified industry was a key part of my strategy when I started at LMI. Our diverse membership portfolio includes both multinational corporations and up-and-coming local biotech companies. We have created a platform that allows smaller and larger companies to connect, fostering partnerships between international corporations and Norwegian start-ups. The innovation happening in Norway’s start-up companies demonstrates the potential of the pharmaceutical industry for patients and the country.

How are digital tools being utilized in the pharmaceutical industry in Norway?

LMI advocates for the increased adoption of new technologies in Norway’s healthcare system to enhance efficiency and productivity. However, implementing new technologies involves multiple stakeholders and takes time. The government recognizes the fundamental role of these technologies in ensuring the sustainability of the healthcare system. There is growing support for the use of personalized medicine and real-world data in the national healthcare system.

LMI is collaborating to establish a “one-stop-shop” for faster and connected access to Norwegian data. Stakeholders are now more open to this concept, which can facilitate research and development efforts.

With the upcoming elections, what topics does the Norwegian pharma industry want to discuss with the winning party?

Market access and the development of a stronger domestic health industry are at the top of our agenda. While Norway is a wealthy country, solving healthcare challenges requires collective responsibility. We want to increase domestic production and showcase the pharmaceutical industry’s potential to contribute to society and address pressing issues, such as COVID-19 vaccines. Building public-private partnerships and delivering innovative treatments to patients are our goals.

After 11 years at LMI, what are your proudest achievements?

Building partnerships between the pharmaceutical industry and stakeholders like universities, research centers, patient organizations, and healthcare professionals has been a significant accomplishment. These partnerships have contributed to the implementation of government white papers that have positively impacted the Norwegian pharmaceutical industry.

Building trust and fostering collaboration through clinical trials, public-private partnerships, and pilot projects are ongoing efforts that aim to strengthen the industry and provide patients with innovative treatments.