The significant increase of clinical research in Denmark continues.
The significant increase of clinical research in Denmark continues.

Insight

The significant increase of clinical research in Denmark continues

Insight

The significant increase of clinical research in Denmark continues

Both in 2021 and 2022, clinical trials conducted in Denmark witnessed a noteworthy increase of respectively 23 and 9 percent compared to the year before, thus continuing the generally positive trend seen since 2010. That is the conclusion in a recently published report from The Danish Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (Lif) and DANISH BIO – The Danish Association of Biotech Companies, describing the clinical research landscape in Denmark. 

When

Regarding employment, the study shows a steady and impressive increase of full-time employees engaged in clinical research since 2020. After an employment increase of more than 40 percent, from 2010 to 2016, there was a slight decrease during the following three years. However, since 2020, there has been a significant increase, corresponding with the increased number of ongoing clinical trials in Denmark. 

Decrease in number of trial subjects has stopped

Despite the increase in numbers of clinical trials, there has since 2010 been a drop in the number of trial participants, until 2017. This has been observed not only in Denmark but globally as well, caused by various factors, including an increasing focus on more complex trials, and a shift towards smaller-scale trials.

After a period with a steady number of trial participants from 2017 to 2021, Denmark experienced a reverse of this trend. In 2021, there was an impressive increase in Denmark of 28 percent of trial subjects participating in clinical trials conducted by companies.

The main findings

While long-term follow-up activities experienced a minor decline, the overall findings in the report reflect a positive trajectory for clinical research within Denmark. The number of ongoing clinical trials increased in 2022, which is a continuation of the growth seen in 2021, and the years before.

The publication also mentions a further significant increase in full-time employees working with clinical trials conducted in Denmark, compared to previous years, manifesting the strong Danish life science industry's progress and the tendency seen since 2010.

It is also notable that in 2022, there was a rise in the number of clinical trials involving paediatric medication, underlining the industry's commitment to addressing the specific healthcare needs of children. The growth of 8 percent in trials conducted in 2022 involving children reflects an increasing focus on paediatric healthcare.

Tailor-made assistance for international companies

The high-quality healthcare infrastructure in Denmark, with advanced medical facilities and experienced healthcare professionals, makes Denmark an attractive country for companies to conduct clinical trials. In addition, the regulatory approval process for clinical trials in Denmark is known for its speed and efficiency, allowing the companies to initiate trials promptly. Consequently, Invest in Denmark is actively involved in attracting international clinical trials into the Danish healthcare system, generating jobs and economic growth across Denmark. This is achieved by providing tailored support and guidance for foreign companies, by delivering in depth knowledge of the Danish life science ecosystem, and facilitating meetings with relevant partner organizations in relation to setting up clinical trials in Denmark. 

“Denmark has a strong research community with experienced researchers and clinical research professionals and collaboration between academia, healthcare institutions, and the private sector is encouraged. This certainly facilitates the execution of clinical trials. Furthermore, the Danish healthcare system allows for efficient patient recruitment due to its well-organized patient registries and the willingness of the Danish population to participate in the trials. The recently presented report shows impressive performance of clinical research in Denmark, which underlines the growth of the Danish Biotech- and Pharma industry.”

Vanessa Vega Saenz

Director at Invest in Denmark

Increased future focus on clinical research

The Danish government and the parliamentary political parties recently agreed on the distribution of approximately 600 Million EUR for research in 2024. Almost 20 percent of this amount is dedicated to research in the field of healthcare, representing a 15 percent increase compared to the year before. The allocated amount includes a strengthened focus on clinical research in Denmark, and shows the support that this field enjoys from the Danish government and public institutions, such as Invest in Denmark.  

Click to access the full report here

Get in touch

Want to learn how to tap into the Danish research community?

We provide free-of-charge confidential and tailor-made solutions for foreign companies looking to set up a clinical trial in Denmark. Please contact one of our experts here:

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  • Sarina Lohmann

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

    Area: Copenhagen

    Phone: +4533920423

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