As Norway and Japan achieve a significant milestone in their diplomatic relationship, the pharmaceutical sector has emerged as a vital pillar connecting both nations as they work to address evolving healthcare needs through cutting-edge innovation. With Norwegian companies gaining recognition for their capabilities in radiopharmacy and precision oncology, and Japan offering unparalleled clinical infrastructure and market scale, the foundation exists for transformative collaboration.
In this Q&A, Leif Rune Skymoen of Legemiddelindustriforeningen (LMI) shares how this partnership is moving beyond traditional trade toward genuine co-creation in life sciences, including joint clinical trials, regulatory alignment, and the development of next-generation therapies that leverage the unique strengths each country brings to the table.
Bridges: As Norway and Japan celebrate 120 years of diplomatic ties, how do you see this milestone reflecting on the role of pharmaceuticals within the broader bilateral relationship, and how is LMI helping to highlight the industry’s contributions?
Skymoen: This 120-year milestone highlights how cooperation between Norway and Japan has evolved beyond traditional trade and diplomacy to include innovation-driven sectors like life sciences. The pharmaceutical industry plays a central role in tackling shared health challenges and fostering technological collaboration. LMI promotes this by showcasing Norwegian expertise and partnerships — such as the 2025 delegation to Japan focused on radiopharmacy and precision oncology — positioning the industry as a driver of innovation and co-development within the bilateral relationship.
Norwegian expertise in areas such as radiopharmacy and precision oncology has drawn strong interest in Japan. Where do you see the most promising opportunities for collaboration between the two countries in advancing these technologies?
The delegation to Japan confirmed strong mutual interest in radiopharmacy and precision oncology. Key opportunities include collaboration in theranostics, personalized cancer treatment, and manufacturing partnerships for radiopharmaceuticals. There is also potential for joint research, clinical trials, and regulatory alignment. Together, Norway’s technical and production expertise and Japan’s scale and clinical infrastructure create fertile ground for innovation and shared growth.
Together, Norway’s technical and production expertise and Japan’s scale and clinical infrastructure create fertile ground for innovation and shared growth.
Leif Rune Skymoen, General Manager of Legemiddelindustrien (LMI)
Pharmaceutical trade already represents a significant component of Norway–Japan economic relations. Beyond exports, what areas — such as joint research, clinical development, or regulatory cooperation — hold the greatest potential for deepening this partnership?
Beyond exports, the strongest potential lies in joint R&D, clinical trials, and regulatory cooperation. Co-developing therapies allows both countries to share research risk and accelerate innovation. Closer dialogue between regulators, including PMDA and European counterparts, could streamline approvals and market access. Collaboration in advanced manufacturing and innovation ecosystems — such as start-up exchanges and health data initiatives — can further transform the partnership from trade to true co-creation in life sciences.
Looking ahead, what developments in the Norwegian pharmaceutical industry excite you most, and how do you envision Norway and Japan working together to shape the future of life sciences and global health innovation?
Norway’s growth in radiopharmaceuticals, precision oncology, and sustainable high-value manufacturing is particularly promising. Advances in genomics, imaging, and production align well with Japan’s clinical and regulatory strengths. Together, the two countries can develop global models for healthcare innovation, focusing on ageing populations and precision therapies. LMI supports this vision by fostering dialogue, international collaboration, and partnerships that turn shared expertise into global health solutions.
