New bio-venture vision Mölnlycke is a major global player in the development and manufacture of surgical and advanced wound-care products. The company places a high priority on investment in research and the development of new innovative technologies. Recently Mölnlycke signed a partnership agreement with Astra Zeneca, a leading global pharma company that will help to transform its capabilities in the areas of cell biology and analytical chemistry. Philip Yorke reports.
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ölnlycke is a multinational Swedish company that was founded in Gothenburg in 1849 and began life as a textile producer. Today it is a world-leading medical products and solutions company that provides healthcare professionals with cutting-edge solutions in both clinical and economic outcomes. Its key business areas include solutions for wound-care treatments, pressure ulcers, infection prevention and surgery. The company operates 15 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, two of which are located in the USA, six in Asia and the remainder spread throughout mainland Europe. Mölnlycke is present in over 30 countries and active in more than 100 countries worldwide.
Future focus Recently Mölnlycke signed a major partnership agreement with Astra Zeneca’s BioVenture Hub division. This has already resulted in positive results in the form of strong collaboration in the building of its capabilities within cell biology and analytical chemistry. The company’s specialised teams are working in an exciting environment 126 Industry Europe
at the heart of Astra Zeneca’s premises, which now hosts part of its own extensive R&D team. “Within the BioVenture Hub we are aiming to change the way we do innovation. Normally you have to show a business case that provides a predicted financial outcome before you can start. We believe that no ground-breaking innovation can be done based on things that you can predict. We believe in mixing people with complementary skills in an innovative setting to create a mind-set that is driven by science and opportunity rather than money. And already after two months we see results,” said Magnus Bjorsne, CEO for Astra Zeneca’s BioVenture Hub division. Ewa Kolby–Falk, manager of Mölnlycke Lab Services and head of the company’s BioVenture Hub team, commented, “One could say that we have one team on site and one supportive team also serving as a discussion partner at HQ.” Kolby-Falk added, “It is very inspiring to be part of the AZ Hub and we are grateful for the massive support we have from Barry McBride and senior management. We have access not only to the
