27.07.2007

Biotech breakthroughs in bustling cultural capital

The weather in Turku, a Finnish city of 160,000 inhabitants is similar to Lund, notes Descartes Prize awardee, Dr. Rikard Holmdahl .

"Since both cities are located in the same latitude, it feels like coming home". This is quite convenient for a Swede who regularly shuttles to the picturesque former capital of Finland, a candidate for the European Culture Capital in 2011. The city also hosts one the most advanced biotechnology clusters in Europe.

Although the pace of living is unhurried and relaxed, Holmdahl likes the energetic buzz within the academic community.  Due to excellent resources conducive for research "I would still come here even if it’s in the North Pole," Holmdahl smiles.

Since January 2007, Holmdahl’s research project on chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases seeks advanced understanding of common but complex ailments that have currently no treatments to prevent or reverse the disease course. The project involves in-depth studies on immune recognition and stability of target tissue and the fundamental mechanisms of interactions between inflammatory cells and the target tissue.

From research to commercialisation

Holmdahl’s research on rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus focus on diseases that have limited information concerning their pathogenesis. Holmdahl’s actively collaborates with respected Finns such as Academy Professor Sirpa Jalkanen and Dr. Leena Peltonen, a leading molecular geneticist.

Meanwhile, Holmdahl attributes the commercialization of scientific discoveries during the last decade to heightened collaboration and good funding within Europe. "Governments can give funding for early development of commercialization that private companies will follow up."

Innovation is the heart of science

A healthy entrepreneurial drive and venture capital are nowadays important for scientists, says Holmdahl, who earlier saw successful businesses sprout from biotech research activities in Sweden. "Scientists are not directly involved in the business angle but it’s important to be interested in collaboration and commercialisation of scientific discoveries."

Innovation must be implemented earlier, he adds. Investors have realized too late their 'missed opportunities' to make money from previous discoveries, thus they must now seize the window of opportunity from early scientific discoveries.

Homdahl who comes from a family of medical practitioners speaks from experience. He completed his PhD studies during his early 30s after doing manual labour for five years. When younger daughter Idun contemplates a career as a doctor, Homdahl advices, "Focus is important when you want something (in life)."

Text: Sheila Riikonen
Photo: Vesa-Matti Väärä

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