At the start of 2023, we take some time to review the past year and draw the line into the future. Sandra Ivanauskienė, founder and leader of the Norameda Special Care Medicine Department, took the time to share some insights.
“Special Care Medicine Department continues its cycle of successful years. 2022 was a good one, as we had the growth in sales, the addition of new people to the team, and, most of all, the latest treatment options the company could offer Lithuanian patients,” S. Ivanauskienė reflects on 2022 year.
New medicine for the rare disease patients
The leader of Norameda Special Care Medicine Department is mostly thrilled that due to her team’s efforts, patients with rare diseases received treatment, could adhere to their treatment regimen and recover or at least alleviate the symptoms caused by their condition as only 5% of rare diseases have treatment.
In 2022, the Special Care Medicine Department successfully entered the ophthalmology field by taking over the representation of a drug for treating hereditary Laber neuropathy.
“We have successfully entered this new field for the company, where we have built on our experience to become trusted partners and collaborators,” points out S. Ivanauskienė.
Furthermore, last year Norameda introduced a new medicine for Parkinson’s disease to the Lithuanian market. So far, the company is the only one offering this unique treatment opportunity in the Baltic States and neighbouring countries.
Although this new medicine for Parkinson’s is not reimbursable, at least patients can access it.
“We have done our best to spread the word: reached significant number of patients and have had excellent results: some of the patients are rising from the bed”, says S. Ivanauskienė.
War in Ukraine has affected every person
However, according to the leader of the Special Care Medicine Department, 2022 was even more challenging than the previous years, marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. The war in Ukraine has affected, albeit indirectly, every person and field of activity.
“We were no exception. Still, these heartbreaking events have made us realise that pharmaceutical activity is resilient and stable because the fight for life lasts the longest,” says S. Ivanauskienė.
According to the Norameda’s department leader, despite the challenges, they have remained as true as ever to the company’s values and purpose – to strike a balance between profit and serving people.
“We continue to rely on the principle of timely and correct communication – which allows us to clarify, uncover and then address all the problems and challenges to reduce the burden of the disease,” says S. Ivanauskienė.
New year – new opportunities
2023 is a year that presents itself with new opportunities and challenges. There is an ongoing plan to introduce a new treatment option for Fabry disease to the Lithuanian market. Another new medicine will be presented for the treatment of rare diseases.
“Furthermore, we are expanding our range in the field of neurology, and we are vital partners in neonatology. I strongly believe that with our experience, all the challenges will finally turn into new opportunities for our patients and the company”, finalises S. Ivanauskienė.