SAM Nordic stories

On time, every time — nothing left to chance

At SAM Nordic, we care deeply about one thing above all else: that the right product reaches the right patient at the right time. In radiopharmaceutical distribution, that is not a slogan — it is a promise measured in minutes. Behind that promise is a supply chain that must work as smoothly as possible, every single day. And behind that supply chain is Erik.

Meet Erik, based in Sollentuna, just outside Stockholm. When he is not working, you will most likely find him by the water with a fishing rod in hand or catching a football match — ideally with good company and a cold beer afterwards. He is, by his own admission, someone who appreciates it when things just work. Which, as it turns out, is exactly what his job is all about.

Before joining SAM Nordic, Erik worked in the transport industry, coordinating pickups and deliveries and working closely with dangerous goods logistics. Tight deadlines and short lead times were part of his everyday life — good preparation, as it turned out, for one of the most time-sensitive supply chains in healthcare.

The best deliveries go unnoticed

Ask Erik what he does for a living, and his answer is refreshingly simple.

"I make sure patients receive their treatments on time — and I set up processes to make it run so smoothly that nobody notices."

That invisibility is, in many ways, the goal. A perfect delivery is one where the hospital knows exactly when their order will arrive, the goods are there on time, and not a single phone call is needed. After a few deliveries, everything runs almost automatically — though it still requires close and constant monitoring.

Why standard shipping is never an option

Radiopharmaceuticals are not like other medicines. They cannot be handed to a regular courier. GDP compliance, dangerous goods licensing, strict temperature requirements — the regulations alone mean that every partner in the supply chain must be carefully assessed and trained.

"These are life-saving products of high value," Erik says. "Every partner in the chain needs to understand exactly what they are handling."

At SAM Nordic, that means working with multiple trusted transport partners, all fully licensed and regularly trained, with clear and consistent communication at every step.

When the clock is ticking

In radiopharmaceutical logistics, time is not just money — it is medicine. Some products are calibrated to a specific time, their radioactive dose calculated for a precise moment of administration. Miss that window, and the product cannot be used.

"We handle two quite different product flows," Erik explains. "For our therapeutic products, the shipment goes directly from the manufacturer to the hospital — and we frequently have deliveries where the patient is already on the table, waiting for their injection. Nothing can go wrong at that point. For our diagnostic products, the goods come into our warehouse first and then go out to the hospitals — we have had products arrive in the morning and be at the hospital before lunch. Either way, that is just a normal day for us."

Setting up a delivery route for a new center requires extensive planning — mock deliveries with dummy products, coordination with production and logistics partners, and careful rehearsal of every step in the chain. Once everything is in place, deliveries run with very little friction. But it takes careful preparation to get there.

Ready for the unexpected

Even the best-planned supply chain can face the unexpected. Erik recalls one occasion when a power outage at a production facility in Spain meant he could no longer maintain continuous contact with his partner on the ground.

"What I could do was make sure the product was left correctly and was loaded properly — and then follow up closely to ensure it arrived as it should, so that the last-mile delivery worked and the products reached the hospitals on time," he says. "Moments like that show you exactly why traceability matters. When something happens, everyone in the chain needs to know exactly what is going on."

SAM Nordic maintains a delivery reliability rate of 99%, a figure that does not happen by accident.

The Nordic advantage

Distributing across the Nordic countries is not straightforward. Distances are vast, infrastructure varies, and climate adds another layer of complexity. Getting a product to northern Sweden, for example, can take a full working day by road.

"Through our experience working across the Nordics, we have learned a great deal about these challenges," Erik says. "We find the best solutions for our customers — balancing cost, time and climate. Our strength is that we are the bridge between manufacturer and hospital, handling everything needed to get the product to the waiting patient."

One delivery at a time.

Ask Erik why a pharmaceutical company should trust SAM Nordic with their Nordic distribution, and he does not hesitate.

"We are flexible and solutions-oriented — nothing is too big or too small when it comes to getting the job done. But more than anything, we genuinely care. About the product, about the process, and about the patient waiting at the other end."

At SAM Nordic, that commitment does not need explaining. It shows in the work.

Getting it right, every time

At SAM Nordic, we believe that great pharmaceutical distribution is about more than moving products from A to B — it's about people who genuinely care about getting every detail right. When a radiopharmaceutical reaches the patient, the work behind it is rarely visible. There are no headlines for an order processed without errors, no applause for a customer who always feels looked after. But behind every interaction, there is a team working quietly and persistently to make sure everything goes exactly as it should. That is the reality of working at SAM Nordic — and it is something our team knows well.

Meet Mia Malmlund, one of our colleagues, based in Ingå, Finland. When she is not at work, you will most likely find her at the stables — horses are her greatest passion, and at home she shares her life not only with her husband, but also with four dogs and a cat. It is perhaps no coincidence that someone with such genuine care for living creatures brings that same warmth to her work.

Mia is a specialist nurse by training, and she has spent more than 20 years working across medtech and pharmaceutical companies, building deep knowledge of an industry where precision and accountability are non-negotiable. Today, she brings that background to her role at SAM Nordic, where she manages order flows and customer relationships — making sure every order is correct, every question is answered, and every customer feels genuinely taken care of.

"I work for a small but driven Swedish distributor in the pharmaceutical industry," she says. "Even though we are a small company, our commitment is anything but small — and I am proud to work with products that genuinely help people. For me, it matters that what we do has a positive impact on patients' daily lives and quality of life."

What customers don't see
Ask Mia what would surprise customers most if they could follow her through a working day, and the answer comes quickly: the sheer amount of coordination that goes into a single order. "A lot of planning, coordination, follow-up and checks go into making each delivery work," she explains. "When everything runs smoothly, it is barely noticeable — but there is often a great deal of work behind every single delivery."
That invisible effort is, in many ways, the hallmark of excellent logistics. The goal is seamless; the process is anything but simple.

Calm under pressure
In pharmaceutical distribution, things occasionally go wrong. Delivery windows shift. Supply chains face unexpected disruptions. What separates a good partner from a great one is what happens next — and whether they dare to take full ownership of the problem.

"With experience comes a certain calm," Mia says. "I usually know where to start looking and what steps need to be taken when problems arise — for example, in the supply chain. For me, it is important to act immediately, take responsibility, and stay on top of the situation until everything is resolved."

It is the kind of mindset that comes from years of experience — and from genuinely caring about the outcome.

Trust, built over time
At SAM Nordic, trust is not claimed. It is earned, delivery by delivery, interaction by interaction. "I believe trust is built over time, when customers see that we deliver on our commitments and that we always do our best when something unexpected happens," Mia says. "Customers should feel confident that we take responsibility, follow up, and actively work to find solutions when needed."

That philosophy runs through the entire organisation. Many people at SAM Nordic have been part of the company for many years — bringing with them not just expertise, but relationships and a shared sense of purpose. 

And when challenges arise, they share both the responsibility and the commitment to finding a solution. "What unites us is that we genuinely care about our work and about the people we work for," Mia says. "We always strive to do our absolute best, and we take it as a given that we take responsibility, find solutions, and deliver service of the highest quality. Exceeding our customers' expectations is something we are proud of — and it motivates us every day."

Why SAM Nordic?
For pharmaceutical companies looking for a reliable distribution partner in the Nordics, the answer lies in precisely that combination: experience, commitment, personal relationships, and a team that goes the extra mile — not because they must, but because they want to.

Leading the next chapter

With a background in business development, digital transformation and change management, Erik is stepping into the role of CEO at SAM Nordic. Having already worked closely with SAM Nordic over the past year, he is eager to continue building on a strong foundation together with the team. We had a little chat with Erik to get to know him better. 

Welcome to SAM Nordic, Erik! Who are you? 

I’m a curious and fairly hands-on person who enjoys making things happen. I’m driven by developing both businesses and people. Outside of work, I appreciate the simple things, such as spending time with family and friends. It doesn’t really need to be more complicated than that. 

What did you do before joining SAM Nordic? 

I’ve spent a large part of my career working with business development, digital transformation, and efficiency improvements across different industries. Most of that time has been within food‑service wholesale, but I’ve also worked in automotive and greentech. Much of my work has revolved around leading projects, building strong teams, and driving change where business and technology meet. 

What attracted you to this role and to SAM Nordic? 

Over the past year and a half, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with SAM Nordic on several business development projects. That has given me a good understanding of both the team and the industry. What stood out to me was the combination of doing something genuinely meaningful while being part of a company with strong potential. It’s a journey I’m very much looking forward to continuing together. 

What expertise and experience do you bring to the company? 

I bring experience in driving change, creating structure, and aligning teams around common goals. I also have a very pragmatic approach — I enjoy finding solutions that actually work in real life, not just in theory. 

What do you think employees often misunderstand about the CEO role? 

Perhaps that you’re expected to have all the answers — which you definitely don’t. A big part of the role is actually about asking the right questions, setting direction, and enabling others to succeed. 

Which is more important to you: alignment or constructive disagreement – and why? 

Both are important, but if I have to choose, I would say constructive disagreement. Without it, you risk missing key perspectives and making weaker decisions. That said, it has to be rooted in respect and a shared goal — otherwise it won’t lead anywhere. 

What are you most looking forward to in your new position? 

My ambition is to build on an already successful foundation while continuing to evolve the business. SAM Nordic is well positioned in the market, with a strong team and a highly relevant offering. At the same time, there is significant opportunity to further strengthen our position and deliver increased value to both partners and customers. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I mostly enjoy spending time with family and friends. When I’m feeling more active, I like mountain biking in the summer and skiing in the winter. Music is also a big interest of mine, and I enjoy playing the guitar whenever I get the chance. 

What would you like employees to know about you as you step into this role? 

Since I’ve already worked with SAM Nordic for some time, many people know me fairly well. As CEO, I aim to be clear, straightforward, and transparent. I want us to have an environment where we can speak openly about both challenges and opportunities. And I’m genuinely looking forward to the journey ahead — together. 

Hola, Barcelona and EANM!

Sometimes, the smallest actions can make the biggest difference.

This spring, we turned our daily breaks into a source of hope for children battling cancer! Taking a short walk, each workday during the challenge, resulted in a donation of 100 SEK per walk and person to Barncancerfonden.

Our Steps Towards Reduced Carbon Emissions in 2024

For the Financial Year 2024, we’ve made a remarkable reduction from 2023, cutting our emissions close to half. In 2024, we have taken several actions to reduce our climate impact - this is how:

Transport – We have optimised our logistics flows and switched to HVO100 for several transports, significantly reducing emissions.

Digital Meetings & Train Travel – By prioritising digital meetings and opting for trains instead of flights, we have saved hundreds of kilos of CO₂e. One example: 12 hours of train travel to EANM in Hamburg saved approximately 800 kg of CO₂e.

IT Management – By sending back IT equipment we no longer use, we have saved over 1 tonne of CO₂e and given technology a new life.

Procurement – Almost all suppliers have signed our Code of Conduct, strengthening our shared environmental responsibility.

Public Transport as a Benefit – We encourage our co-workers to travel sustainably by offering public transportation cards, and they are widely used.

Small steps together make a big difference, every gram of carbon dioxide counts. 💚

Theranostics or theragnostics? – We find many names for those we love

This is our perspective on recent years’ debate regarding how to spell this fascinating word: “Theranostics” or “Theragnostics”? Both spellings have a long history of use. It is understood that both versions refer to the treatment strategy that combines therapeutics with diagnostics, and the word is derived from the Greek words therapia and diagnosis.

In our search for answers following the debate in recent years, we came upon an interesting article¹. We believe that Prof. George Babiniotis, Emeritus and Honorary Professor of Linguistics and former Rector (2000–2006) of the University of Athens, has excellent and credible thoughts. Our position is based on his reasoning. In the article, Prof. Babiniotis explains the following: 

“Theragnostics is the better term. In theranostics, the second part of the word “nostics” refers more to the disease than diagnostics. Linguistically, the better approach is a synergy of the two words therapo-gnostics because “thera” alone does not refer to therapy and could be confused with the Greek word for hunting.” 

Babiniotis argues that it is essential to understand that the key to the term “theragnostics” is “gnosis”, not “agnosis”, whereas “agnosis” is derived from the Greek word agnosia , which means a lack of knowledge. Thus, “theragnostics” is a better term emphasising knowledge, and as the article elegantly summarises “, nuclear medicine with its combination of molecular imaging and molecular radiotherapy does indeed offer knowledge-based precision medicine”. 

World Theragnostics Day 2025

This marks the day when Dr Saul Hertz on March 31st, 1941, made history by administering the first radioiodine treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital. A groundbreaking moment in medical history! The word theragnostics is cool but also derived from the Greek words therapia and diagnosis. Pretty neat, right?

By bridging the gap between diagnosis and treatment, it’s paving the way for a paradigm shift in care of complex diseases such as cancer. The method has real potential in nuclear medicine, where radioactive isotopes are used for both diagnostic imaging studies and targeted treatment. That’s the beauty of theragnostics!

Theragnostics opens doors to more hopeful treatment for patients with complex diseases and are on the way to changing cancer care to be more tailored and patient-centered.

Not quite sure what theragnostics is all about? No worries, backed by 25+ years in nuclear medicine, we’re experts in the field. Here’s a quick crash course to fill in some knowledge gaps:

When one size does not fit all

We got a glimpse of the reality for skiers with disabilities. Try to keep the balance with only your hands and snowboarding without the help of your legs, or steer with a straw in your mouth. It gave us all great respect for the knowledge and drive these dedicated ski instructors and skiers possess. Regardless of how one gets down the slopes, we all agree it is a sport filled with speed and freedom for everyone.

One of our co-workers described the day like this:

“I hadn’t realised how much effort, innovation and money it takes to get everyone on skis. They are driven by commitment and passion that leads to inclusive skiing.’

And the incredible thing is that it is a non-profit organisation entirely dependent on external grants and partnerships to operate and develop.

Conventional ski rental can be tricky for everyone, but in Totalskidskolan’s case, it is another level of complexity. All the gear is customised, and depending on the skier, it will be adapted to fit the user of the day. The skier can choose and re-choose different equipment depending on the day’s preferences. It can also be a seat change, and the steering handles can be changed to levers or a crossbar handle or the ski can be changed to more or less a turning radius.

Some innovative equipment comes from Sweden, but development in cooperation with other countries is sometimes needed to customise the gear and functions.

We are incredibly proud to be partners with people who are enablers!

Or, as one of our co-workers explained:

“I am proud to work for a company that genuinely strives for inclusion and equality, and our collaboration with Totalskidskolan is a testament to that”.

Proud steps for an important cause!

It’s been a great time running and walking, both to promote our own health and to contribute to something bigger. Prostate cancer is Sweden’s most common cancer, but together we can make a difference.

Some of us have run on race tracks, by the lake, others on snow and sometimes forgotten to count the run via apps, but we have all had a lot of fun along the way – for increased awareness of this cancer and research that saves lives!

World Patient Safety Day

17 September marks the annual World Patient Safety Day, and this year, the focus is on enhancing diagnosis for patient safety.

As advocates for NET patients in the Nordic and Baltic countries, we at SAM Nordic want to highlight the importance of “Get it right, make it safe!”. World Patient Safety Day raises public awareness and fosters collaboration between patients, health workers, policymakers, and healthcare leaders to improve patient safety.

This year, the theme is “Improving diagnosis for patient safety”, with the slogan “Get it right, make it safe!” highlighting the critical importance of correct and timely diagnosis in ensuring patient safety and improving health outcomes.