Donations by Björn Savén and his wife Inger Savén to Karolinska Institutet’s research on colorectal cancer will hopefully improve our understanding of the disease and the possibility of early detection. One of the aims of the research is to enhance the disease prognosis by increasing the number of people tested at an early stage.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer in Sweden. The disease often develops over a long time without obvious symptoms, meaning that early detection is crucial.
When the cancer is detected early, the prognosis is often good, but a later diagnosis hampers treatment. Research shows that screening can make a difference by detecting the disease before symptoms appear.
Growing engagement
Entrepreneur and investor Björn Savén, founder of IK Partners amongst other operations, and his wife Inger Savén have decided to support research at KI. Their engagement with research is part of their longstanding philanthropic work centred on research and academic education.
Their relationship with KI dates back to Björn Savén’s professional life, during which he made early contact with the university in connection with medical research and innovation. When the family went on to develop their philanthropic activities, KI was a given partner. Their first project with KI concerned hearing research.
Their partner in KI’s research on colorectal cancer is Professor Anna Martling.
“The researchers’ devotion to humanity and their persistence are truly admirable,” says Björn Savén.
Research group leader Anna Martling , Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery , KI, stresses the value of long-term financing:
“It will enable us to continue working for an extended period and to try out new ideas,” she says. “It’s often there that the really significant steps are taken.”
Research demands both courage and persistence
KI possesses strong research environments and has many internationally leading researchers. Björn Savén says that proximity to the research is fundamental to his own personal involvement.
“We get to follow the project in a way that otherwise wouldn’t be possible, which makes it all both interesting and meaningful,” he says.
He also sees certain similarities between research and his venture capital work.
“In our work, we analyse many projects, only a few of which ever go the whole way. Research operates a little like that, too. Many ideas are tested and not all of them make it.” This also led to their becoming early investors in what is now KD Ventures.
At the same time, he notes, there is a difference in pace:
“In business, there’s often a sense of impatience. Research takes something else, an ability to be patient and to carry on even when progress seems slow.”
Focus on colorectal cancer
The donations are targeted at research that can improve the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. Another important goal is to increase awareness of screening and to encourage more people to be tested in time.
The disease is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death in Sweden. However, there are good opportunities for early detection and in many European countries screening is offered from the age of 50, as per EU regulations, a policy that has proved effective.
“When younger people develop intestinal cancer, it’s even more important to contribute to research that can lead to earlier detection,” says Björn Savén.
The Savén family hopes that Sweden will eventually develop the screening programmes in line with new international recommendations. In this way, initiatives such as this can help both generate new knowledge and save lives through early detection.
Facts about Björn Savén
Born: 1950
Education: MSc in Business and Economics, Stockholm School of Economics; MBA Harvard University
Background: Founder of IK Partners, former director of SEB and Esselte. Currently board member of the Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation and of the industry committee of the ESS (European Spallation Source) in Lund
Previously: CEO 1989-2008, subsequently chairman
Philanthropy: Engagement in research and academic education with a special focus on colorectal cancer and economy and technology
