Swedish-Korean MoU seeks to expand bio-pharma collaboration

 

The MoU, signed on April 27, 2026 in Seoul, declares a joint intent by SwedenBIO, BusinessSweden, Korea Innovative Medicines Consortium (KIMCo) and Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association (KPBMA) to explore the possibility to strengthen cross-border collaboration between Korea and Sweden in the bio-pharmaceutical sector, including joint research and development, investment, and business development. 

 

– After three years of working together with KiMCo and KBPMA to get to know each other's ecosystems, I am glad to formalise this collaboration by signing the MoU. Korea has a fast-developing biopharma ecosystem with strong manufacturing knowledge but also many interesting innovative companies developing next generation therapeutics. I see a great synergy with Swedish biotech, investor and pharmaceutical companies, says Marjo Puumalainen, International Director at SwedenBIO.  

 

Sweden and the Nordic region bring cutting-edge innovation and a research-driven ecosystem while  Korea offers strong capabilities in clinical development, manufacturing, and rapid market execution – creating strong potential for synergies between Swedish and Korean biopharma companies. SwedenBIO, KPBMA and KiMCO intend to support cooperation by providing access to their respective networks and promoting collaboration opportunities among their members and Business Sweden intends to support Swedish and Korean companies in promoting joint R&D and investment opportunities. 

 

The MoU was signed during the Nordic Health Summit Korea, where a delegation of 20 Swedish biopharma companies is connecting with Korean stakeholders. Participating Swedish companies will continue their engagement by taking part in BIO KOREA 2026, held from April 28 to 30. The collaboration will continue at Nordic Life Science Days 2026, held from September 7 to 10 in Stockholm, where a Korean delegation will connect with Swedish biopharma companies.