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Denmark – A European Leader in pharma and biotech innovation

Looking for the ideal location to grow your pharmaceutical or biotechnology activities in Europe? Denmark delivers. As one of Europe’s most R&D-intensive countries, Denmark offers a globally recognised life science cluster, a digital-first healthcare system, and a long-standing culture of collaboration across industry, academia and the public sector.
What
Pharma & Biotech Life Sciences
From world-leading insulin production to cutting-edge cancer and neuroscience research, Denmark is home to global pharma innovators like Novo Nordisk, Lundbeck, LEO Pharma, Bavarian Nordic and ALK, as well as upcoming biotech companies such as Genmab, Zealand Pharma, Gubra, and Muna Therapeutics. Our life science legacy began in the early 1900s and today, it’s powering one of the world’s strongest biotech and pharma pipelines.

 

Fast facts Denmark’s pharma & biotech performance

#2 Innovation Leader in the EU (European Innovation Scoreboard 2023)

#1 in Europe in terms of researchers in R&D per capita (IMD 2025)

Global leader in clinical trials per capita (ClinicalTrials.gov)

Denmark is the country in Europe who attracted most VC funding from 2021-2023

Why choose Denmark for biotech and pharma?

  • A collaborative ecosystem uniting industry, academia and public healthcare.

  • Fast-track access to clinical trial approvals and infrastructure.

  • Cutting-edge research focus within cancer, CNS, metabolic, inflammatory and infectious diseases.

  • Trusted authorities open to dialogue and data-sharing.

  • One of the most innovation-driven and research-intensive countries in the EU.

     

Take a deeper dive into Danish life science Explore more

Denmark’s pharma & biotech strengths by research area

Cancer Research – A legacy of excellence

Denmark is a global pioneer in academic and commercial cancer research. We integrate basic, epidemiological, translational and clinical insights to improve prevention, diagnostics and treatment.
 
Advantages of locating in Denmark:
 
  • Specialised expertise in breast, prostate, colorectal and lung cancer
  • One of the world’s oldest and most respected national cancer registries
  • Strong collaboration between academia and industry

CNS and neuroscience – A national stronghold

Denmark is among the world leaders in CNS and neuroscience research. An interdisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, basic science and clinical trials drives results.

Advantages of locating in Denmark:

  • Research excellence in Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and depression
  • Established public-private research partnerships 
  • High number of neuroscience-focused start-ups and academic spin-outs

Inflammatory & Infectious Diseases – Rapid development and expertise

Denmark is accelerating research in immune response, inflammation and virology. COVID-19 demonstrated the strength of our integrated basic and applied research ecosystem.

Advantages of locating in Denmark:

  • World-class research in asthma, allergy, virology, HIV and AIDS
  • Industry-ready drug pipelines for infectious and inflammatory diseases 
  • Strong focus on vaccine development and response preparedness

Metabolic disorders – The insulin capital of the world

Denmark has led global metabolic disorder research for over a century. Our expertise spans the full value chain: from molecular insights to manufacturing and export.

Advantages of locating in Denmark:

  • More than 100 years of insulin R&D
  • Home to Novo Nordisk, holding over 50% of the global insulin market 
  • Comprehensive research from disease biology to clinical trials and commercialisation
     

Watch: Why Bristol-Myers Squibb chooses Denmark 

Bristol-Myers Squibb in Denmark Anders Thelborg, General Manager Denmark

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get Free insights Download: Danish Pharma & Biotech cluster Fact sheet

Denmark offers attractive business solutions for foreign pharma and biotech companies including R&D collaborations. Download our fact sheet to get an overview of the Danish pharma & biotech cluster.
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Denmark offers biotech and pharma companies the perfect setting for innovation, clinical development and global scaling. Our dedicated advisors are ready to help you explore opportunities, partnerships and business solutions tailored to your company’s needs.
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