This move is expected to strengthen the strategic partnership between the pharmaceutical industry and the research and development environment in Slovenia. The purpose of the cooperation is to accelerate the transfer of scientific findings into practice, promote innovation, and strengthen the global competitiveness of Slovenia.

"The connection between science and industry is one of the key conditions for the long-term progress of the pharmaceutical industry and, consequently, for the development of society as a whole. Our collaboration with prominent research institutions facilitates the rapid and effective translation of research findings into tangible solutions for patients. At Lek, we have been creating an ecosystem that promotes the circulation of knowledge and experience for many years," said Gregor Makuc, CEO of Lek and President of Sandoz Slovenia.

Prof. Dr. Leon Cizelj, Acting Director of the Jožef Stefan Institute, said: "The Jožef Stefan Institute has a long-standing partnership with Lek d.d., and I see the signing of the memorandum of cooperation as a commitment to combine our scientific and research potential to achieve breakthrough innovations that drive the development of Slovenia and society as a whole."

"The signing of the memorandum represents our joint commitment to working together to create a healthier future. "I believe that this partnership will accelerate the transfer of knowledge into practice, strengthen the competitiveness and global recognition of our country, and, above all, contribute to better health and a higher quality of life for people through innovative solutions," said Prof. Dr. Gregor Anderluh, Director of the Chemical Please find below the details of the meeting.

"The National Institute of Biology has enjoyed a fruitful and long-standing collaboration with Lek. The company is committed to resolving high-tech challenges through interdisciplinary teamwork, adhering to stringent quality standards. This approach facilitates the transfer of knowledge from hypothesis to prototype, from the laboratory to people and society. This underscores the vital importance of fostering collaboration between scientific and industrial entities to ensure a sustainable and responsible future," stated Prof. Dr. Maja Ravnikar, Director of the National Institute of Biology.

Last year, Lek signed a similar agreement with the University of Ljubljana, the University of Maribor, and the University of Primorska.

The Ljubljana-based company Lek is currently in the midst of a significant investment cycle, with investments in Slovenia by 2029 expected to exceed €1 billion. The company is currently investing in a development centre for similar biological medicines in Ljubljana and a production facility for active ingredients in Lendava. Lek and Sandoz have also recently initiated construction on a state-of-the-art facility for the manufacture of finished products and the performance of quality control measures in the vicinity of Ljubljana Airport.