The partnership centers on clinical trials that address some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide, including viral infections such as HIV and hepatitis. For example, the Phase 3 DISCOVER trial, which evaluated the safety and efficacy of daily emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (F/TAF) or emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (F/TDF) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention among men and transgender women, included Aarhus University as a key clinical trial site in Europe. The trial provided Danish patients access to innovative medications while generating critical evidence that informed regulatory approvals and clinical practice globally for a new HIV prevention agent. Aarhus has continued to be a clinical trial site for additional Gilead-sponsored studies.

This partnership allows us to combine the clinical excellence of Aarhus University Hospital with Gilead’s innovation pipeline. By participating in clinical trials, Danish patients can gain early access to promising therapies while contributing to global efforts to improve outcomes in chronic infectious diseases.

Professor Lars J. Østergaard

Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Aarhus University Hospital

The collaboration also provides Danish clinicians with early exposure to investigational compounds under evaluation, further reinforcing Denmark’s role in shaping the next generation of therapies.

Gilead’s decision to expand its clinical trial footprint in Denmark reflects the country’s growing importance as a life science hub. With an integrated healthcare system, advanced electronic health records, and a streamlined regulatory environment, Denmark offers one of the most efficient and high-quality frameworks for conducting global clinical trials.

Our collaboration with Aarhus University Hospital provides access to deep clinical expertise and a healthcare system that is uniquely positioned to deliver world-class clinical trial execution. Denmark’s environment allows us to generate high-quality data that can advance our global development programs.

Romas Geleziunas

Vice President in Research Virology at Gilead Sciences

The Gilead–Aarhus University Hospital collaboration demonstrates how industry and healthcare institutions can align strengths to accelerate the availability of new therapies. By focusing on clinical trials rather than basic research, the partnership is designed to deliver measurable impact for patients while strengthening Denmark’s position as a preferred destination for global clinical development.

We are proud to contribute to global clinical trial efforts in partnership with Gilead. Together, we are not just testing medicines, we are building pathways to faster patient access to innovative therapies that can make a real difference in Denmark and worldwide.

Professor Lars J. Østergaard

Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Aarhus University Hospital

Denmark offers a world-class life science ecosystem, where strong public-private collaboration, national health registries, and coordinated trial processes create an ideal setting for global pharma to conduct clinical development.

Trial Nation, a public–private partnership, plays a central role by serving as a single national entry point for companies seeking to initiate clinical trials across Denmark. This coordinated approach ensures rapid access to leading hospitals, investigators, and trial sites, making Denmark one of the most attractive countries for global clinical development.

The coordinated approach in Denmark, supported by Trial Nation, allows us to be agile, precise, and proactive in delivering value to global clinical development partners.

Professor Lars J. Østergaard

Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Aarhus University Hospital

Invest in Denmark plays a key role in facilitating partnerships for pharmaceutical companies looking to conduct clinical trials in Denmark. Acting as a bridge between global pharmaceutical companies and the Danish healthcare ecosystem, Invest in Denmark helps navigate regulatory frameworks, identify clinical trial sites, and connect with leading experts.

Through free, tailored, and confidential advisory services, Invest in Denmark streamlines trial setup, reduces risk, and ensures alignment with Denmark’s robust infrastructure for efficient, high-quality clinical trials.

By supporting collaborations such as Gilead-Aarhus, Invest in Denmark helps accelerate the path from innovation to patient care, delivering value both for global companies and for the Danish healthcare system.