MSD – one of the leading investors in clinical research in Denmark
MSD – one of the leading investors in clinical research in Denmark

Case

MSD – one of the leading investors in clinical research in Denmark

Case

MSD – one of the leading investors in clinical research in Denmark

When it comes to testing tomorrow’s treatments, Denmark is more than just a safe bet, it is a frontrunner. The global biopharmaceutical company MSD, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Inc. NJ, USA, is one of the major investors in clinical research in Denmark. With more than 60 active studies across oncology, vaccines, CVD, infectious diseases and other therapeutic areas, MSD is not only contributing to shaping the future of medicine but also to strengthening Denmark’s position as a life science hotspot.

When

Through clinical trials, and a strong collaboration between MSD, doctors and nurses, we ensure that our innovations are built on solid evidence and science. Behind every single study lies a hope for a better life for patients throughout the world

Linda Holst Hochmuth

Head of Clinical Operations, MSD Denmark

Denmark: A strong foundation 

MSD employs over 50 persons in Denmark working directly with clinical trials. In addition, MSD invests around DKK 130 million (EUR 17,2 million) in the Danish life science ecosystem. What makes Denmark stand out? A powerful mix of world-class hospitals, talented researchers and agile regulatory framework.

In recent years, the Danish government has taken active steps to boost the life science industry even further by building on the already strong national healthcare system and strong environment for business and science. This also includes a keen political focus on continuously improving the framework conditions for conducting clinical trials in Denmark. 

Denmark has recently cut phase I trial approval times for mono national trials to just 14 days, among the fastest in Europe! Combine that with strong tradition of public-private partnerships and a digital health system second to none, you get a recipe that attracts global pharma companies to research and launch treatments here first.

 

MSD’s long-term commitment

Søren Granhøj Pedersen, Managing Director, MSD Denmark & Iceland

Denmark has a strong foundation when competing with other countries in terms of attracting foreign investments in Life Science. This is not least the case in areas of clinical research and collecting real world evidence. The high-quality data, excellent collaboration between public and private stakeholders, and a willingness to ensure rapid access to new innovative treatments for patients are among the most important reasons for our long-term commitment to investing in clinical research in Denmark. There are some challenges for our industry in Europe, including Denmark. 

Europe needs to streamline its processes and cooperation, to truly achieve its aim of creating a one stop shop for multi-country studies, allowing medicine developers in Europe to scale and compete with the US, China, Japan and other leading regions. MSD Denmark therefore supports Denmark’s ambition to strengthen European life science frameworks focused on innovation and disease prevention, making sure Europe and Denmark remain attractive for clinical research investment in the future.

Søren Granhøj Pedersen

Managing Director, MSD Denmark & Iceland

Trial Nation: one entry, endless possibilities

A big part of Denmark’s appeal lies in Trial Nation, a public-private partnership offering a single national entry point for life science companies, patient organisations and clinical researchers wishing to sponsor, participate in, and conduct clinical trials in Denmark. MSD has been an active member for many years, benefitting from Trial Nation’s facilitation of easy access to a network of clinical research units at the Danish hospitals within all disease areas, free of charge.

This ensures a quick and efficient pre-feasibility and feasibility process, as well as a good dialogue about designing the best possible framework for cooperation between the hospitals and companies wishing to conduct clinical trials in Denmark. 

 

Invest in Denmark: your partner in progress

Together with Trial Nation, Invest in Denmark of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs works to attract clinical trials for the benefit of patients and healthcare providers. From facilitating high-level meetings at conferences such as ASCO and ID-Week, to connecting with Danish clinicians, the collaboration is all about ensuring that foreign life sciences companies like MSD help Denmark stay at the cutting edge of clinical research.

"The commitment of MSD to the Danish healthcare sector is extremely valued . It is a testament to our competitive life science cluster as well as to the Danish government’s consistent focus on improving framework conditions for conducting clinical trials and research for the benefit of patients."

Vanessa Vega Saenz

Director, Invest in Denmark at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark

From fast approvals to trusted partnerships, Denmark offers the full package for international pharma and biotech. MSD’s continued investments prove that when it comes to clinical research, Denmark offers a dependable foundation.

Get in touch

Want to learn more about clinical trials in Denmark?

Invest in Denmark of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides free-of-charge, confidential and tailor-made solutions for foreign companies looking to set up a new business in Denmark or expand an existing one. Please contact one of our experts below.

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  • Sarina Lohmann

    Title: Special Advisor – Maritime and transport – Analysis & Partnerships

    Area: Copenhagen

    Phone: +4533920423

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