Left to Their Own Devices

Patrik Plöen, Legal Counsel, Q-Med, Sweden

The European Union (“EU”) has among its most fundamental goals and principles a convergence of the economies of, and a weakening of internal frontiers between, its member states . Economic integration, so conventional wisdom would have it, will increase the efficiency and competition within the internal market, lowering consumer prices and contributing to a more effective allocation and utilisation of resources. At least that is the theory. Given the development over the past couple of decades, whether those goals have been achieved is to a degree dependent upon your political point of view, but there can be no denying the convergence or harmonisation of significant amounts of national legislation throughout the EU.

Q-Med is a medical device company that primarily develops, manufactures, markets and sells medical implants. Most of the products are based on the company's patented technology, NASHA™, for the production of stabilized non-animal hyaluronic acid. The company today has approximately 650 co-workers in 20 countries, with 385 at the company's head office and production facility in Uppsala. Q-Med had sales of 1,364 MSEK during 2009. Q-Med AB is listed in the Mid Cap segment of the NASDAQ OMX Nordic.