Biomedicine, Medical Technologies and Pharmacy

Latvia’s success in the biomedicine sector is the result of effectively combining its strong R&D capabilities with an established manufacturing infrastructure.

The National Research and Innovation Institute (NIRI), established in 2026, brings together the expertise of the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (OSI) and the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre (BMC) and is the largest life sciences research institute in the Baltics. With expertise in medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, pharmacology, molecular biology, biotechnology, diagnostics, vaccines, and personalised medicine, NIRI serves as an integrated research and innovation platform that strengthens Latvia’s role in high-value life sciences, biotechnology, and knowledge-based manufacturing.

For more information, please visit invesinlatvia.org | Key sectors – Biomedicine.

Industry focus

• Research Excellence
  Research excellence is what defines the biomedical industry. The impact scores for those publications published in collaboration with foreign scientists are generally very high. Biomedicine is clearly a driving force for increasing the attractiveness of the Latvian research system.
• Pharmaceutical export
  Lithuania, Estonia, Germany, and Ukraine are Latvia’s main pharmaceutical export trading partners. In 2020, exports to Lithuania were worth over 100 million euros. Pharmaceuticals make up the majority of the biomedical portfolio’s export items, accounting for 38% of all sector exports and generating a turnover of 256 million euros in 2020.
  
• Precision Medicine
  An innovative approach to tailoring disease prevention and treatment that takes into account differences in people’s genes, environments and lifestyles. Latvia prioritizes precision medicine to deliver advanced, science-driven treatments for all ages and improve access to the latest medical technologies.
  On October 8-9, the National Library of Latvia in Riga will host the PMNET forum, where over 50 experts from around the world, including Harvard University, will collaborate on precision medicine. Save the date – register here!
  
• EU Cancer Mission
  Latvia collaborates within the EU Mission: Cancer to enhance cancer prevention, treatment, and support efforts, leveraging EU funding for research and initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for patients and families.