Three questions to Eva Lund - Public Affairs Manager at the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.

Mental health conditions are on the rise worldwide and the COVID-19 pandemic have made matters considerably worse. What kind of policies (generally speaking) are needed to change this development?

Eva: In Sweden, there is a lack of a comprehensive approach to brain diseases, injuries and neuropsychiatric disabilities and COVID-19 just uncovered a burden that already existed. We believe the whole society must be mobilized to create a more equal, better and accessible brain health throughout a person life journey – from preschool to university, from social and healthcare services to industry and civil society, everyone has as vital role and must be given the opportunity to work together and contribute to increase survival and quality of life.

The European Brain Council (EBC) recommends that all countries develop comprehensive national plans and strategies for the brain, something that the neighboring countries Norway and Finland have already done. It’s time that Sweden focus its efforts and address this burden with transparency, collaboration and communication as pillars to the policy creation.

Janssen is researching and developing drugs for mental health disorders such as schizophrenia and depression. Why is important for your company to be involved in a dialogue about prevention and mental wellbeing?

Eva: At Johnson & Johnson, which Janssen is part of, we believe good health is the foundation of vibrant lives, thriving communities and forward progress. That’s why for more than 130 years, we have aimed to keep people well at every age and every stage of life.

Today, as the world’s largest and most broadly based healthcare company, we are committed to using our reach and size for good. We strive to improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and put a healthy mind, body and environment within reach of everyone, everywhere. Moreover, Janssen Research & Development is committed to discovering and bringing to market innovative therapeutic solutions for people with brain disorders with the ultimate mission of reducing the burden, disability and devastation caused by serious neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases.

What are your expectations from Uppsala Health Summit?

Eva: Our vision is to create a future where disease is a thing of the past. We believe in closer and stronger collaboration between the academic world, the pharmaceutical industry, patient associations and authorities to succeed with this vision. The Uppsala Health Summit gives us the opportunity to get involved in the ecosystem to create healthier communities for tomorrow.

Learn more about Janssen through this link.