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Why Denmark is a top location in Europe for clinical trials

Looking for the best place in Europe to conduct clinical trials? Choose Denmark. 

With world-class infrastructure, streamlined processes, and unmatched public-private collaboration, Denmark is increasingly the preferred destination for global pharmaceutical, biotech, and health technology companies conducting clinical research.

What
Life Sciences Pharma & Biotech

Denmark offers All the right conditions for clinical research

Denmark combines a strong healthcare system with an innovation-driven business environment.

A highly skilled workforce, advanced hospitals, strong research environments and supportive authorities make Denmark a standout destination for clinical trials in Europe. The Danish government actively strengthens the life sciences sector with policies that enhance the framework conditions for clinical research.

Denmark sets new 14 day benchmark for approval timelines 

Denmark has established a new EU benchmark for clinical trial timelines by implementing an accelerated approval process for Phase I trials. Under this new framework, applications for early-phase clinical studies are now reviewed and processed within just 14 days - a significant reduction compared to standard EU timelines.

This initiative positions Denmark at the forefront of clinical research efficiency, ensuring faster study initiation while maintaining the highest standards of safety and regulatory oversight. The shortened review period reflects Denmark’s commitment to fostering innovation, attracting global investments, and supporting the rapid translation of scientific discoveries into patient-ready therapies.

National entry point for companies 

Trial Nation makes it easy for global companies to conduct clinical trials in Denmark.

Established in 2018, Trial Nation acts as a single national entry point for companies looking to carry out trials in Denmark. Its services are free of charge and include:

  • Rapid investigator identification.
  • A coordinated feasibility process with a national response from hospital sites within five days.
  • Access to Trial Nations legal network offering legal advice and national contract negotiations.
  • Access to established clinical specialty centres and national networks within oncology, haematology, dermatology, paediatrics, respiratory diseases, infectious diseases and dementia.
  • And access to established partnerships with hospitals, scientists and patient networks 
  • Support for both pharmaceutical, biotech and health technology clinical trials.

Proactive approach towards Decentralised clinical trials 

Denmark is a global frontrunner in decentralised clinical trials (DCTs).

DCTs enable faster execution, greater diversity, and improved access for participants. Denmark’s leadership is driven by the proactive Danish Medicines Agency, which released its national DCT guideline in 2021. Collaboration between authorities, researchers, patients and industry is accelerating adoption. 

Top 10 Reason to conduct clinical trials in Denmark : 

  • Political commitment at national level

    Strong national support for clinical research and life sciences innovation – a focus area in the newest national life science strategy.

  • Excellent framework conditions for medical research and clinical trials

    Denmark offers world-class patient registries, civil registries and biobanks. This provides access to detailed patient data, facilitating epidemiological and pharmaceutical research.

  • Easy and attractive for conducting clinical trials

    Companies may benefit from Trial Nation, the single point of access enabling clinical trials in Denmark.

  • Highest numbers of clinical trials in Europe

    Denmark is continually in the top ranking for conducting most clinical trials in Europe per capita.  

  • Easy patient recruitment

    Overall, there is a high willingness to participate in trials among the Danish population. Additionally, there are low screening failure rates, high retention, and minimal loss to follow-up.

  • Regulatory authorities for decentralised clinical trials

    The Danish Medical Agency launched the world’s first “decentralised clinical trial guideline”, and was instrumental in developing the EMA decentralised clinical trials recommendation paper.

  • Fast-track regulatory timelines

    IVD and clinical submissions can be processed in parallel and fast-track contracting.

  • Tradition for public-private partnerships 

    Industry, academia and authorities often join forces. Trial Nation, acting as the single point of entry for companies conducting clinical trials in Denmark, is a great example of this. 

  • Access to highly qualified labour

    A collaborative and skilled site staff ensures high quality outcomes. The latest national life science strategy - Strategy for life science toward 2030 - focusses even further on ensuring a strengthening of access to qualified labour. 

  • Attractive investment climate

    Denmark is characterised by political, economic and regulatory stability while also offering a low corporate tax rate, flexible labour market conditions and simple procedures for establishing a business. 

     

 

take a deep dive Download the Clinical Trials in Denmark Business Brief

Learn more about why your company should look to Denmark to conduct your clinical trials and read statements from companies already conducting clinical trials in Denmark.
Download Business Brief here

Talk to our experts Want to know more about clinical trials in Denmark?

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