How APL was formed
Swedish pharmacies have been manufacturing medicines since the 16th century. In the early 1970s, the pharmacy sector in Sweden was nationalized, and Apoteksbolaget AB was formed.
The company included Apotek Produktion & Laboratorium AB (APL), tasked with providing prescribers with extemporaneous medicines or specially manufactured formulations for individually adapted treatments for their patients. With the deregulation of the pharmacy market in 2009, pharmacies were no longer allowed to produce medicines, and therefore APL was disconnected from Apoteket AB in June 2010. Over the last 30 years, APL has also provided contract manufacturing services to the life science sector.
Swedish pharmacies since the 16th century
Pharmacy operations have existed in Sweden since the end of the 15th century, and the first pharmacy with a known location was King Gustav Vasa’s palace pharmacy in Stockholm. That pharmacy dates back to around 1522.
Pharmacies were inherited
Until 1970, a Pharmacy Privilege – authorization from the King – was required to operate a pharmacy. A Pharmacy Privilege was often inherited, but could also be transferred through purchase.
1923 AKL is founded
The progenitor of APL – Apotekens Kontrolllaboratorium (AKL) – is formed by Adolf Rising.
1971 The pharmacy sector is nationalized
Apoteksbolaget AB is formed and gains a monopoly for all products covered by the Medicinal Products Act for sales to private individuals. The Medical Products Agency takes over permit assessment and supervision.
1986 APL’s new plants are opened
The facilities in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö open this year.
1999 APL’s Umeå plant is replaced
The plant in Umeå, which has existed since 1981, is replaced with a new plant.
2008 Subsidiary of Apoteket AB
Apoteket Produktion & Laboratorier AB becomes a subsidiary of Apoteket AB on 1 July 2008.
2009 Member of SwedenBIO
APL becomes a member of SwedenBIO, an interest group gathering all influential organizations within the life science sector.
2010 New look and logo
APL launches a new look and logo on 19 March 2010.
2010 Independent company and a new name
APL leaves the Apoteket AB group and becomes an independent company on 1 July 2010. The company name is changed to Apoteket Produktion & Laboratorier AB.
2011 Permit as extemporaneous medicine pharmacy
APL receives a permit to continue its extemporaneous operations in its capacity as a pharmacy for extemporaneous medicines in April 2011.
2018 New pharmacy market survey
A review of APL’s operations and assignments states that the Swedish model for APL is fit for purpose.
2018-2019 Consolidation of production
The manufacturing plant in Malmö is expanded, and large-scale production and material handling are relocated from Gothenburg to Malmö.
2020 New manufacturing facilities
APL opens new manufacturing facilities in St. Jörgen in Gothenburg.
2023 APL receives a role in Sweden’s preparedness for crisis
APL receives an extended assignment that comprises preparedness to maintain operations in times of crisis, including war.
