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Drug discovery: a driving force for good The process of drug discovery begins with knowledge about disease. And recently, major pharmaceutical companies have increased their collaboration with drug discovery companies. Based in Stockholm, one such drug discovery company’s studies have lead to major advancements in the development of new pharmaceuticals for diabetes, atherosclerosis, obesity and female health care. Since being formed in 1987, Karo Bio, along with an impressive list of collaborators, has continuously strived for the ultimate goal – getting the products out onto the market. With a clear understanding of nuclear receptors – an important class of drug targets – some of the world’s major diseases could be addressed. Nuclear receptors are “proteins in cells that help regulate many organs in the body”. “Our understanding of nuclear receptors and our ability to study them is second to none. Through having the expertise to do this, we have become the natural partner for large pharmaceutical companies when they have a specific project for a therapeutic area which targets them. We have a high level of expertise in this field and our focus is our strength,” explains Mats Johnson, vice president for marketing and business development. Karo Bio became the highest funded start-up in Sweden back in 1987 with about $37 million. Nuclear receptors already formed a large part of Karo Bio’s business until they became the sole focus of the company five years later. Since its foundation, Karo Bio has found itself operating within an extremely challenging industry. But with project portfolio consisting of collaborations with Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Abbott and Wyeth, the innovative company has already developed a reputation as a leading drug discovery company. Johnsson says: “One of the driving forces for many people working in this industry is that they are doing something good for mankind, which means they work with a lot of passion. This is the same for Karo Bio.” “We are now looking for the most progressive Japanese companies that would like to become more international. The Japanese look at Swedish companies favorably and want long term collaborations just as we do. “Presently we are looking for partners in the field of prostate cancer, inflammation, dyslipidemia and depression within different nuclear receptor fields. We are regarded as a quality biotech company not only in Sweden but around the world. With our good foundation, collaborations and strong knowledge base, I am very positive about our future.” |
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