AGP Executive Report

Cancer Care: Europe’s first patients have received ImmunityBio’s bladder-cancer treatment Anktiva with BCG in Germany and Austria. Its conditional European approval also covers Iceland, though the report does not say when treatment will be available locally. Icelandic Innovation: Iceland Ocean Cluster says seafood byproducts such as fish skin, bones and shrimp shells can be turned into higher-value goods, including medical products and cosmetics; shrimp shells are being developed into chitosan, which can also be used in water purification. Arctic Pollution: Greenland plans to ban scrubber-water discharges from ships in its waters from 2027, with wider restrictions in 2029. Advocates say cleaner shipping could reduce toxic air and water pollution, and have urged a green shipping corridor between Nuuk and Reykjavík.

Iceland’s Fish Economy: The Iceland Ocean Cluster says discarded cod parts can be turned into medical products and cosmetics, helping raise the value of a $12 fish to thousands of dollars. Cleaner Arctic Shipping: Greenland is moving to ban scrubber discharges from ships, with restrictions starting in 2027 and expanding in 2029. Advocates say a cleaner shipping corridor between Nuuk and Reykjavík could further reduce pollution. Cancer Treatment Access: Anktiva has been given conditionally approved European use for certain bladder cancers, including in Iceland; the first European patients have now been treated in Germany and Austria. Obesity and Cancer: A study of nearly 800,000 people found bariatric surgery was associated with lower risk of several obesity-related cancers, with similar benefits across age groups and sexes.

Iceland-Linked Eye Research: Iceland-listed Oculis reported progress on late-stage eye-drug trials, with results from its dry-eye study expected around year-end and a global optic-neuritis trial advancing. Cancer Vaccine Hopes: A South Iceland oncologist says a personalized mRNA vaccine showed promise in reducing melanoma recurrence after surgery; the approach remains under study and is not yet routine care. New Bladder Cancer Treatment: Anktiva, approved for use in Iceland and across Europe, has been given to its first European patients in Germany and Austria for hard-to-treat bladder cancer.

Iceland-Linked Biotech: Oculis reported progress on eye and neurological treatments, including a completed patient enrolment for its dry-eye trial and continued development of a therapy for optic neuritis. The company, listed on Iceland’s exchange, expects results from the dry-eye study around year-end. Personalized Cancer Care: An Icelandic oncologist highlighted early promise from a tailored mRNA vaccine designed using a patient’s melanoma tumour. In a study, it was tested alongside standard treatment to help lower the risk of cancer returning. Wellness Tourism: The Blue Lagoon’s operator plans to raise about $115 million in a Reykjavík IPO to fund expansion, tapping demand for Iceland’s geothermal spa experiences.

Eye Health Research: Iceland-listed Oculis says recruitment is complete for a late-stage trial of licaminlimab for dry eye disease, with results expected around year-end 2026. Wellness Tourism: Blue Lagoon’s operator plans a $115 million Reykjavík IPO to fund expansion as demand for geothermal wellness travel grows. Cancer Care: Oncologist Helgi Hafsteinn Helgason of South Iceland Healthcare Institution says a personalized mRNA vaccine, designed from each patient’s melanoma, is raising hopes of reducing cancer recurrence after surgery. The approach is still under study.

Cancer Research: A personalized mRNA vaccine designed from patients’ own tumors is raising hopes of reducing melanoma recurrence. Icelandic oncologist Helgi Hafsteinn Helgason called the approach revolutionary, though it currently applies to a limited group of patients. Medicines: Strong European sales of antifungal Cresemba triggered a $37.5 million milestone payment to Basilea. The drug is approved in Iceland and is used to treat invasive fungal infections. Wellness Tourism: Iceland’s Blue Lagoon operator plans to raise about €100 million in a Reykjavik IPO, citing growing demand for wellness travel and seeking funds for expansion.

Cancer Research: A personalised mRNA vaccine is raising hopes of reducing recurrence in high-risk melanoma. Helgi Helgason, an oncologist at South Iceland Healthcare Institution, says the approach uses each patient’s tumour to design a tailored vaccine alongside standard treatment. Neurology: Iceland-listed Oculis has named neurologist Björn Tackenberg as chief scientific officer. He will help advance its lead drug candidate, including studies of potential use in acute multiple sclerosis relapses. Wellness Tourism: The Blue Lagoon’s operator plans a $115 million Reykjavik stock-market IPO to fund tourism expansion, tapping international demand for wellness travel.

Wellness Tourism: Blue Lagoon’s operator plans to raise about $115 million in a Reykjavík IPO to fund expansion, capitalizing on international demand for wellness travel. The company is valued at roughly $600 million. Health Workforce: The University of Iceland has set new tuition fees for non-EEA students starting in 2027–28, including for Icelandic as a second language. The change comes as Landspítali faces medical staff shortages and language requirements for workers.

Wellness Tourism: The Blue Lagoon’s operator plans to raise €100 million ($115 million) in a November IPO on the Reykjavik exchange, funding expansion as international demand for wellness travel grows. Health Workforce: The University of Iceland has set its first tuition fees for non-EEA students, starting at ISK 1.45 million a year in 2027–28. The change comes as Iceland faces a shortage of medical workers and the National Hospital has introduced Icelandic-language requirements for staff.

Iceland’s Medical Workforce: The University of Iceland will charge non-EEA students 1.45 million to 3.8 million ISK a year from 2027–28. The fees raise concerns about the future supply of international medical staff, as Landspítali faces worker shortages and language requirements for clinicians. Eye Research: Iceland-listed Oculis plans to present findings on its experimental optic neuritis treatment, Privosegtor. An earlier trial reported improvements in visual function; the drug is now being tested in a larger registrational study.

Asthma and Sleep: A new SCAPIS study examines treatable traits in people with asthma and impaired sleep, exploring ways to tailor care to overlapping airway and sleep problems. Iceland’s Health Workforce: From 2027–28, the University of Iceland will charge non-EEA students 1.45 million to 3.8 million ISK a year. The change comes amid medical-worker shortages and language requirements at Landspítali, raising questions about barriers to attracting and training staff. Iceland-Listed Biotech: Oculis plans to present findings on its experimental optic-neuritis treatment, Privosegtor. A registrational trial is enrolling patients after a Phase 2 study reported improved visual function.

Nutrition: A new international food-pyramid proposal, drawing on Nordic dietary guidance, puts whole grains, fruit, vegetables and plant proteins ahead of red and processed meat, and recommends limiting ultra-processed foods. Iceland’s Health Workforce: The University of Iceland has set annual tuition of ISK 1.45 million to ISK 3.8 million for non-EEA students from 2027–28, aiming to curb enrolment growth. The change raises concerns amid a shortage of medical staff; a source cited in local reporting said staff tested under new Icelandic-language requirements all failed.

Nordic Nutrition: A new international food guide drawing on Nordic recommendations puts whole grains, fruit, vegetables and plant proteins ahead of red and processed meat, and advises limiting ultra-processed foods. Iceland’s Health Workforce: The University of Iceland has set new fees for non-EEA students starting in 2027–28, including for Icelandic-language studies. The change comes as the country faces medical staff shortages and Landspítali requires Icelandic proficiency from medical workers.

Health Workforce: The University of Iceland has set tuition of 1.45 million to 3.8 million ISK a year for non-EEA students from 2027–28. The fees add pressure to debate over Iceland’s medical staffing needs, as Landspítalinn also faces language hurdles for foreign-trained workers. Maternal Care Abroad: An emergency obstetric and newborn facility built with Icelandic Embassy funding has opened in Malawi, offering delivery, surgery and prenatal and postnatal care to a population of 120,000. Local leaders say it will ease access and help prevent maternal and infant deaths.

Maternal Care: An Iceland-funded emergency obstetric and newborn facility has opened in Makanjira, Malawi, bringing delivery, surgery and antenatal services closer to a population of 120,000. Officials say it should help reduce maternal and infant deaths. Iceland’s Biotech Sector: Reykjavik-based Alvotech will report its nine-month results on November 11. The biosimilar maker says five products are already approved and marketed in multiple countries. Youth Wellbeing: Nordic leaders have called for stronger protections for children online, warning that social media and AI may affect young people’s mental health, learning and development.

Iceland Biotech: Iceland-listed Oculis will present data on Privosegtor, an experimental treatment for optic neuritis, at upcoming medical meetings. The drug is being tested in a registrational trial after a Phase 2 study showed improved visual function. Climate and Health: A new Lancet Countdown report records 710,000 heat deaths worldwide in 2023, the highest annual toll in its series, and calls for climate change to be recognized as a global health emergency. Alvotech Update: The Reykjavík-based biosimilar company will report its nine-month results on November 11. Youth Wellbeing: Nordic leaders say social media, smartphones and AI pose risks to children’s mental health and development, and are calling for platforms to be designed with young users’ wellbeing in mind. Icelandic Health Aid: An Iceland-funded emergency maternity and newborn care centre has opened in Malawi, providing services to a population of 120,000 and aiming to reduce maternal and infant deaths.