Orion Corporation, one of Finland’s lead drug makers, has been awarded the Internationalisation Award of the President of the Republic of Finland. The company won in the growth companies category, following a year of significant global expansion.
The award, presented by President Alexander Stubb, celebrates Orion’s competitiveness, responsible business practices and its significant impact on bringing Finnish medical innovation to the world stage. Orion’s influence now extends beyond the Nordics, with its medicines accessible in more than 100 countries and a partnership model that leverages key research institutions and scientists in the UK, USA and beyond.
Blockbuster in oncology
A key driver of Orion’s international success is its prostate cancer treatment, developed in collaboration with Bayer and manufactured in Finland. The therapy has reached blockbuster status with over €1bn in annual sales, benefiting around 175,000 patients worldwide as prostate cancer remains the second most frequently diagnosed malignant cancer in men. “Orion doesn’t just treat diseases – it improves quality of life and brings hope to millions. We are determined to find the missing medical solutions for patients’ needs,” said Liisa Hurme, President and CEO, Orion Corporation.
Commitment to innovation
In the press release announcing the award, Orion highlighted its ongoing commitment to innovation, with new research hubs opening in the UK and the US in 2025, working to produce therapies for for cancer and central nervous system disorders.
“The award we have now received is the culmination of decades of work, and the credit goes to our entire personnel,” Hurme added. Other notable winners included Sensofusion, an advanced anti-drone systems manufacturer, and Sandvik Mining, illustrating the diversity of Finland’s industrial landscape.
The winners are typically picked by various Finnish business sector experts, operators and organisations. This year’s were chosen by the President of the Republic by the Team Finland network, Business Finland, Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment, Finland’s export credit agency Finnvera and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
