Prof. Vladas Algirdas Bumelis: “Lithuania Belongs to the Global Elite in Life Sciences”

Lithuanian biotechnology is already developing solutions that are reshaping global standards in treatment, diagnostics, and health technologies, with annual investments in the sector reaching millions. On September 17–18, the international forum Life Sciences Baltics – organized by the Innovation Agency – will take place in Vilnius, Lithuania for the seventh time. It will serve as a platform to determine the breakthroughs we aim for in the future. One of the sector’s leading figures – renowned Lithuanian biotechnology scientist and entrepreneur, Professor Vladas Algirdas Bumelis – discusses Lithuania’s achievements and challenges. 

“Lithuania belongs to the global elite in life sciences – this is confirmed by our scientists’ and students’ international accomplishments,” says Prof. Bumelis. According to him, Lithuania can take pride in its strong research centers, advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing, and active collaboration with international partners. 

Martynas Survilas, Head of the Breakthrough Department at the Innovation Agency Lithuania, supports this claim with concrete data. 

“Lithuania is home to more than 300 life sciences companies, over 120 of which are startups. An impressive 87% of Lithuania’s biotech production is exported to major global markets. In recent years, Lithuanian biotech companies have also attracted multimillion-dollar investments: Flo Health raised USD 200 million, Pentasweet secured EUR 44 million, and Atrandi Biosciences received USD 25 million,” Survilas notes. According to him, this clearly demonstrates Lithuania’s vast potential. 

Rapidly Strengthening Its Position in Cutting-Edge Biotech Fields 

Lithuania’s success is no coincidence – the country’s biotech sector is expanding in alignment with global market growth. For example, the personalized medicine market is growing at a tremendous rate worldwide. According to Survilas, it is projected to reach USD 1.1 trillion by 2032. 

Lithuanian startups are actively striving to lead in this field. One example is the multi-omics data analytics company VUGENE, which in May this year announced a €1 million venture capital investment. 

This growth trend reflects a broader context in the country’s biotech sector. According to Prof. Bumelis, Lithuania can be proud of its achievements in various areas: “We are already taking the first steps in personalized medicine. We have a solid scientific foundation, high-level genomics and molecular biology research is being conducted, and data is being collected,” he explains. 

He emphasizes that sustainable breakthroughs in this field require a robust ecosystem that integrates health data, research, and innovation: “We need clearly defined mechanisms that allow new drugs to be more quickly integrated into clinical practice. This requires consistent investment, cross-sector collaboration, and a well-defined strategy within the healthcare system.” 

Another area closely tied to the advancement of personalized medicine is gene therapy. According to Prof. Bumelis, the manufacturing of biological drugs and gene engineering technologies – including CRISPR-Cas9 – are also among Lithuania’s strengths. 

He notes that innovative manufacturing technologies are being developed in Lithuania to produce high-quality biological products. However, several key challenges must be addressed before gene therapy becomes widely accessible. “Treatment remains extremely expensive – costs can reach several hundred thousand euros – and the regulatory processes are long and complex. It is crucial to simplify these regulations and develop new funding models to make therapies more accessible,” he says. 

The Key to Breakthroughs: Ambitious Ideas and International Connections 

According to Prof. Bumelis, the breakthroughs in Lithuania’s biotech sector are driven by ambitious ideas. One such initiative is the creation of the Bio City biotechnology hub: “It will concentrate all the necessary biotech infrastructure – from advanced research and technology development centers to large-scale biologic drug manufacturing facilities serving the global biopharmaceutical market,” he explains. 

The future of Lithuania’s biotechnology sector, he adds, is also inseparable from collaboration with the international community. 

“Internationalization is essential in life sciences. To develop a competitive biotech product, collaboration with partners from different countries is often necessary,” he stresses. Platforms that enable networking, experience sharing, and the discussion of new solutions are critical – Life Sciences Baltics will offer one such opportunity in September. 

“In life sciences, the most important thing is the ability to connect scientific ideas with practical application, and events like this provide a great chance to do just that. I would advise participants not to miss the opportunity to not only listen to inspiring talks but also engage with other attendees,” says Prof. Bumelis, who will be speaking at the forum. 

Life Sciences Baltics, taking place on September 17–18 in Vilnius, will bring together more than 800 life sciences professionals, investors, and company representatives from around the world. The event will feature a conference, exhibition, B2B meetings, startup pitches, and tours of Lithuanian biotechnology companies.