2025-04-30
Meditrials – A Clinic for the Medicines of the Future
Meditrials – A Clinic for the Medicines of the Future
Since the autumn of last year, Meditrials – a private clinic specializing in clinical trials – has been operating at Medeon Science Park, located in the heart of Malmö. Founders Stina Sunnanväder and Kristina Silvén Husu, both experienced clinical research nurses, aim to make Sweden more attractive for conducting studies on new pharmaceuticals through their company.
Before a new drug can be approved, it must undergo strictly regulated clinical trials involving both healthy and ill participants. The number of such studies in Sweden has declined over the past decade, partly due to a lack of resources in the healthcare system. By offering strong accessibility, clear communication, and high competence, Meditrials aims to attract more international and Swedish pharmaceutical companies to choose Sweden – and Meditrials – for their studies.
"We founded Meditrials to meet the growing demand for clinics that can manage the entire clinical trial process. Sweden has lost ground internationally, largely due to high costs, an already burdened healthcare system, and long approval times when studies are conducted at hospitals. Here, we see an opportunity to make a significant contribution," says Stina Sunnanväder.
By increasing the number of studies conducted in Sweden, Swedish patients gain access to more modern treatments, and Swedish healthcare professionals gain training in new methods.
"We want to help ensure that more modern treatments are tested in Sweden. We are also happy to share our knowledge and experience with other clinics and serve as an accessible resource for hospital-based studies. We hope to play an important role in the growing ecosystem around pharmaceutical development," says Kristina Silvén Husu.
The Meditrials team consists of two clinical research nurses and two specialist physicians, and they handle everything from participant recruitment to practical implementation and data collection. The company markets its services to contract research organizations (CROs), which often act as intermediaries between pharmaceutical companies and clinical trial sites.
Medeon – An Ideal Environment
Establishing at Medeon was a strategic decision. For Meditrials, it not only provides access to modern and flexible facilities with room to grow at their own pace but also offers the opportunity to be part of a larger context.
"Medeon’s focus on life science made it an obvious choice for us to move here. We gain visibility with our clients and access to a large and active network. The Medeon team is also very helpful, especially in making new connections. It gives us excellent conditions for growth," explains Stina Sunnanväder.
A Broader Offering
From the beginning, Meditrials has conducted drug trials in phases II to IV but has recently expanded its offering to include studies involving medical devices. They can work across most therapeutic areas.
"This year, we will initiate a sponsor-driven drug study in celiac disease. In addition, we have received several other inquiries about hosting studies here, where we are still discussing potential collaborations," says Stina Sunnanväder.
"If we dare to dream big about the future, we would love to develop the business to also include phase I studies, which require entirely different facilities and more staff. That way, we could offer a comprehensive setup for all phases of clinical trials – from first-in-human to long-term follow-up," says Kristina Silvén Husu.
