The trial aim to inhibiting the so-called “cytokine storm syndrome” that in some COVID-19 patients, with lung infection, leads to tissue damage in the lungs. The hope is therefore, that these patients will experience a better breathing and in general an easier course of the disease.

Denmark is among one of the only six countries in the world, which is involved in this trial. The reason for choosing Denmark is due to a strong collaboration and involvement from Trial Nation – who offers a single, national entry point for life science companies wishing to conduct clinical trials in Denmark. Furthermore, the ethical committees in Denmark and the Danish Medical Agency have also been working extremely fast and very efficient.

“Denmark is currently one of the most attractive places to start covid-19 studies. All players - authorities, researchers, hospitals, companies - exhibit tremendous flexibility driven by an ambition for research projects to start as quickly as possible. Priorities are clear and emergency meetings are being prioritized. This has eliminated all wasted time, which means that response time have declined rapidly. For this specific clinical trial, speed has been crucial without compromising quality."

Peter Drøidal

Novartis Country Manager Denmark & Nordic Head Market

In general, COVID-19 research in Denmark has accelerated by fast-track approval by the National Committee on Health Research Ethics and the Danish Medical Agency. During a six-week period, the ethical committees in Denmark have approved 50 COVID-19 trials. This large amount of trials approved in such a short time highlights the efficiency of the fast track process in the ethical committees and the Danish Medicines Agency.

“I’m not surprised, that Novartis chose Denmark as its location to conduct its first clinical trial. Denmark is home to a very strong national health system, reliable and effective public authorities, good data quality, fast start up times for clinical trials, and reliable approval processes. Besides, Denmark also has the innovative and government supported Trial Nation network which provides good access to high quality professionals conducting early phase clinical trials.”

Rasmus Beedholm-Ebsen

Special Advisor within Life Sciences at Invest in Denmark