Baltic Export, Education and Science, EU – Baltic States, Good for Business, Latvia, Medicine

This is the first time a scientist from Latvia is nominated for the prestigious award, as the European Patent Office told LETA. Kalvins is one of three finalists for the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.

Kalvins' biggest success story to date is meldonium, medicinal name "Mildronate", an efficient drug against heart disease and one of the most successful medications to be created in Latvia. Kalvins, 67, has published 650 academic papers and contributed to more than 215 patents in the field of biomedicine.

The targeted use of natural compounds – as opposed to artificially created chemicals – is the foundation of Kalvins' approach. He successfully brought to market drugs based on natural compounds to treat and prevent strokes, tinnitus, heart attacks, Alzheimer disease, as well as chronic pain and inflammation.

The award ceremony will be held in Paris on June 11.

In 2006, Kalvins received the highest state honor in Latvia – the Three Star Order.

Manufactured and marketed by Latvian pharmaceuticals company Grindeks, "Mildronate" ranks among Latvia's most successful medical exports: it generated an export turnover of around EUR 65 million in 2013, with a share of 0.6% to 0.7% of all Latvian exports.