Gene Therapy in Nordic Countries

This issue of Human Gene Therapy contains a collection of articles describing both academic and commercial activities around gene and cell therapy in Nordic countries. Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway have been active players in gene and cell therapy research already for more than 20 years. The first gene transfer to humans in malignant glioma in Nordic countries was made in 1995 in Kuopio, ¹ and the first ever adenoviral gene transfer to human arteries was done in 1996 in Kuopio. ² At the same time, significant gene vector development was also proceeding in Sweden—Liljeström et al., ³ Xu et al., ⁴ Dilber et al., ⁵ and Li et al., ⁶ just to name a few. Manufacturing development and production of clinical-grade vectors had already started at that time, even before the European Union had clear guidelines and directives regarding gene and cell therapy. As commercial spinouts, several companies were formed and pioneered gene therapy–related biotechnology in Nordic countries.

All Nordic countries have traditionally been very strong in basic and translational research, and healthcare systems in the Nordic countries support clinical trials with the help of comprehensive personal records that can be utilized with unique personal identifier numbers. Thus, the environment has supported progress from basic science to translational research and early clinical testing in both gene and cell therapy areas. However, further clinical development has been more difficult since only a few large or medium-sized drug companies are based in Nordic countries. Nevertheless, this deficit has been to some extent compensated by the so-called “socialized medicine” that allows more affordable access to early clinical trials. Also, significant funding from national scientific councils and several foundations has greatly helped the field move forward.

Today, gene and cell therapy research is very strong in Nordic countries, and activity in biotech companies has also significantly increased. Some examples of this recent activity can be found in this issue of Human Gene Therapy. With the future of gene and cell therapy looking much brighter than a few years ago, we expect that this research and translational activity will continue to grow and finally reach clinical stage in several areas of medicine. ⁷

I would like to thank Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., for giving us an opportunity to provide you this special issue of Human Gene Therapy on the occasion of the 23rd Annual Congress of gene and cell therapy, organized jointly by the Finnish Society of Gene Therapy and the European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy with the help of the Local Organizing Committee consisting of members from Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. I would like to warmly welcome all of you to Helsinki and the Annual Congress and to enjoy not only the high-quality science but also the hospitality and beautiful clean nature of Helsinki and Finland.