© Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis

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

The Institute of Organic Synthesis of Latvia (LOSI) collaborates with world-renowned scientific institutions and pharmaceutical companies. Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Center is the largest molecular biology and biomedical research center in Latvia. And manufacturers such as Grindeks, Olpha (previous Olainfarm), and Silvanol have been developing and exporting drugs to dozens of countries around the world for decades.

The mission is to establish Latvia as a leading European hub for innovation and research in biomedicine, medical technology, and pharmaceuticals, thereby ensuring the availability of cutting-edge diagnostics, treatment methods, and therapeutics for all patients.

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

500 +

companies in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry

60 +

years of experience in biomedicine and related fields

76 %

of Latvia-made chemicals & pharmaceutical products are exported

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 10-11, 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.

Have you heard?

Wilhelm Ostwald, a Nobel Prize winner for Chemistry born in Riga, discovered the fundamental laws of homogenous catalysis of acids and bases.