How APL was formed
Swedish pharmacies have been manufacturing medicines since the 16th century. In the early 1970s, the Swedish pharmacy sector was nationalised, and Apoteksbolaget AB was formed.
This company included Apotek Produktion & Laboratorium AB (APL), which was tasked to provide prescribers and therefore patients with extemporaneous medicines, or specially manufactured preparations for individually adapted treatment. In conjunction with the deregulation of the pharmacy market in 2009, it was no longer permissible for pharmacies to produce medicines simultaneously, and therefore APL was disconnected from Apoteket AB in June 2010. Over the last 30 years, APL has also been supplying CMO services as a contract manufacturer to the life science sector.
Milestones in APL’s development
Swedish pharmacies since the 16th century
Pharmacy operations have existed in Sweden since the end of the 15th century, and the first pharmacy where the location was known was King Gustav Vasa’s palace pharmacy in Stockholm. That pharmacy can be dated to around 1522.
Pharmacies were inherited
Until 1970, a Pharmacy Privilege – authorisation 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 nationalised
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 units in Stockholm, Göteborg and Malmö are opened this year.
1999 APL’s plant in Umeå is replaced
The plant in Umeå, which has existed since 1981, is replaced in 1999 by 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 association gathering together all influential organisations within the life science sector.
2010 New graphic profile
APL launches a new graphic profile and logo on 19 March 2010.
2010 Independent company and new name
APL leaves the Apoteket AB group and becomes an independent company on 1 July 2010. In conjunction with this, the company name is changed to Apoteket Produktion & Laboratorier AB.
2011 Permit as extemporaneous medicine pharmacy
APL receives a permit to continue its extemporaneous operation in its capacity as a pharmacy for extemporaneous medicine in April 2011.
2016 30th anniversary
We celebrate 30 years with a simultaneous anniversary party at all our units on 23 September 2016.
2017 Launch of new website
We launch our new website apl.se in November 2017.
2017 Inauguration of clinical trial material and supply Centralisation and relocation to new premises at Kungens Kurva.
2017 Our oils awarded the Nordic Swan Ecolabel
Almond, peanut and castor oil are approved for the Nordic Swan Ecolabel.
2018 New pharmacy market survey
A review of APL’s operations and assignments states that the Swedish model with APL is fit for purpose.
2018 APL concludes assignment with SLL
2018-2019 Consolidation of production
The production 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.
2022 APL's role in Sweden's preparedness in crisis is investigated
The inquiry into health and medical preparedness has shed light on the extent to which APL can play a role in Sweden's future preparedness in crises.
