Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (Sobi), a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Stockholm, is focused on transforming the lives of people with rare diseases. Powered by innovation in genetic engineering and diagnostics, Sobi delivers cutting-edge treatments to patients in over 30 countries and continues to expand its reach through strategic market entries.
In 2020, Sobi decided to establish an affiliate in Australia to bring its portfolio of rare-disease medicines closer to patients in need. Entering this highly regulated and unfamiliar market posed several key challenges:
- Regulatory compliance: Sobi needed to establish a fully compliant commercial entity, including all necessary licenses and permits.
- Supply chain complexity: The company’s advanced biologics required specialised cold-chain logistics, especially for air freight, adding another layer of operational difficulty.
- Talent acquisition: Sobi had to build a local team of experts who could engage with healthcare professionals and operate in full alignment with Medicines Australia Code of Conduct.
To navigate the complexities of the Australian market, Sobi teamed up with Business Sweden – unlocking major benefits via the Business Support Services portfolio. Business Sweden provided step-by-step guidance and hands-on support to help Sobi launch and grow its local operations. The collaboration included:
- Incorporation: Business Sweden’s local team helped set up a legal entity for Sobi’s Australian subsidiary.
- Virtual office: Physical business adddress , mail-handling, call-answering and daily representation to build local presence.
- Recruitment: Recruitment support for Sobi’s first local hire, a Key Account Manager, and continuous support in the growth of a 15-person team.
- Flexible workspace: We provided open desks from 2021 to 2025, providing Sobi with a professional base while the team expanded.
Beyond essential practical assistance, Business Sweden connected Sobi with local experts in pharmaceutical commercialisation and offered a collaborative office environment that served as a daily touchpoint for the growing affiliate.
Thanks to Business Sweden’s deep market knowledge and strong contact network Sobi could accelerate its establishment in Australia achieve a smooth and efficient market entry. This allowed the company to focus fully on its mission of bringing life-changing treatments to patients. Today, Sobi is a successful biopharmaceutical company in Australia, operating from its own premises in Macquarie Park. The subsidiary has built a strong local presence and is dedicated to improving the lives of people with rare diseases by providing access to innovative treatments in hematology, immunology and specialty care.
Challenge
Sobi needed to shift from a distributor model to a local market presence in Australia as key contracts began to expire.
Solution
Business Sweden provided incorporation support, virtual office, recruitment, and flexible desk services.
Result
Sobi successfully launched its Australian affiliate in 2020 and could fast-track its local establishmentin Macquarie Park, Sydney. The company is now a trusted biopharmaceutical player in the local market, dedicated to improving the lives of patients with rare diseases.
Value impact
Business Sweden facilitated a seamless setup and ramping up of operations, helping Sobi establish credibility and scale sustainably in Australia.
About Sobi:
Sobi is a global biopharma company transforming the lives of people with rare and debilitating diseases. Operating in around 30 countries and reaching many more, Sobi’s team of 1,800 employees spans Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. In 2024, the company reported SEK 26 billion in revenue, with its shares traded on Nasdaq Stockholm (STO:SOBI).
Project team
Martin Ekberg, Irene Xu