Finnish Pharma Firm Orion Shines with Innovation, Wins Prestigious Export Award

Espoo, Finland – Orion Oyj, a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Espoo, Finland, has been awarded the prestigious Internationalisation Award of the President of the Republic of Finland, recognizing its outstanding international success and commitment to research and development. The award underscores Orion’s growing global footprint and its pivotal role in advancing medical innovation, particularly in the field of oncology.

Orion’s success is built on a long-standing commitment to developing innovative pharmaceuticals and expanding its reach into international markets. While the company has a diverse portfolio, recent years have seen significant growth driven by its prostate cancer treatment, darolutamide (Nubeqa), which has garnered substantial commercial success and is now a cornerstone of its strategy.

Nubeqa Drives Growth and Global Expansion

Nubeqa, co-developed with Bayer, has rapidly become a leading therapy for prostate cancer, achieving remarkable sales figures—reaching €1.52 billion in 2024—and projecting further growth to an estimated €2.5-3 billion by 2027. Its success is rooted in positive clinical trial results, demonstrating prolonged metastasis-free survival in patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and, more recently, improvements in outcomes for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer when used in combination therapies.

“The data with Nubeqa has been really compelling,” notes one industry analyst. “It's not just the efficacy, but also the manageable safety profile. This has made it a preferred option for many clinicians, and it’s driving a significant portion of Orion’s revenue.”

Orion’s expansion has been equally impressive, with products now sold in over one hundred countries. The company has established in-house sales operations in 27 European countries and six in the Asia-Pacific region, cementing its position as a global player in the pharmaceutical industry.

Strategic R&D Investments Fuel Future Pipeline

Beyond Nubeqa, Orion is strategically investing in its research and development pipeline, with a growing focus on biologics and large-molecule therapies. This represents a shift from its traditional strength in small molecule development, demonstrating a forward-looking approach to innovation.

The company has recently established new R&D facilities in Cambridge, UK, and New York City, USA, to bolster its capabilities in biologics CMC and clinical development. “The Cambridge facility is particularly important,” explains one source familiar with Orion’s strategy. “It provides access to a world-class scientific hub and allows Orion to tap into a deep pool of talent in the biologics space.”

Orion’s pipeline includes promising candidates such as ODM-208/MK-5684, a CYP11A1 inhibitor being developed in collaboration with Merck for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, and ODM-212, a TEAD inhibitor targeting solid tumors with YAP/TEAD activation. The $290 million deal with Merck for ODM-208 signals the company's ability to forge valuable partnerships and capitalize on promising drug candidates.

Balancing Growth with Sustainability

Orion’s commitment to international success is not solely driven by financial gain. The company actively embraces responsible business practices and environmental sustainability, aligning with the Finnish government’s broader goals for a green and innovative economy.

“Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the pharmaceutical industry,” says one expert. “Companies are under pressure from investors, regulators, and consumers to reduce their environmental impact and operate ethically. Orion seems to be taking this seriously.”

Recognition and Future Outlook

The Internationalisation Award of the President of the Republic of Finland is a testament to Orion’s achievements and its contribution to the Finnish economy. The award committee highlighted Orion’s strong export performance, innovative R&D efforts, and commitment to responsible business practices.

“This award is a great honor for Orion and a recognition of the hard work and dedication of our employees,” stated a company spokesperson. “We are committed to continuing to innovate and expand our reach into international markets.”

Looking ahead, Orion is well-positioned for continued growth and success. With a robust pipeline of promising drug candidates, a strategic focus on biologics, and a commitment to sustainability, the company is poised to remain a leading player in the global pharmaceutical industry. The recent expansion into the UK and USA indicates Orion's intent to further solidify its presence on the world stage. While challenges undoubtedly exist in the complex pharmaceutical landscape, Orion’s strategic investments and commitment to innovation suggest a bright future for the Finnish pharmaceutical firm.