Pharma 1 2026
In the first issue of Pharma this year, we focus on life in and around the Life Science industry – from leadership and careers to research and international perspectives.
Lars without Novo: “I will always be the guy who worked at Novo Nordisk”
A year ago, Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen was dismissed as CEO of Novo Nordisk after 34 years with the company. We present a portrait of a farmer’s son and business leader who did not follow a fixed career plan, but embraced opportunities along the way.
“We often encounter diseases we have never heard of before”
Rare diseases affect thousands of people in Denmark, but they can be difficult to diagnose. Elsebet Østergaard works with patients whose diagnoses can be so rare that they have only been documented a handful of times worldwide.
Two international profiles – one shared experience of Denmark
Kazi Deluwar Ahmed from Bangladesh and Forough Hafezi from Iran came to Denmark to work in the Life Science industry. They highlight trust, flat hierarchies and a healthy work-life balance, but also the challenge of finding social communities. Two stories that offer a nuanced perspective on life as an international professional in Denmark.
Enjoy the read!
“I will always be the one who worked at Novo Nordisk”
A year ago, Lars Fruergaard was dismissed as CEO of Novo Nordisk – a company he had worked at for 34 years. This is a portrait of the farmer’s son who almost accidentally ended up in the Life Science industry, who values decency above all else, and who was applauded by his employees on the day it was time to say goodbye.
Ask is passionate about clinical research: “We are at a point where we have hopefully seen the bottom”
Ask Aabenhus is working to make the framework for clinical research in Denmark even stronger. According to Ask, Denmark has many strengths in this area, but the country is also facing a number of challenges.
Can an influenza vaccine prolong insulin production in children with newly diagnosed diabetes?
The clinical trial INVITED could have a significant impact on the future treatment of children with diabetes. PhD student Ida Borreby Pedersen explains why.
3 things I wish I had known as a new graduate
When Emma Engelbreht submitted her thesis in 2025, she did not expect the next six months to be filled with uncertainty and rejections. The experience inspired her to share three pieces of advice she wishes she had received herself.
“It definitely takes longer to build friendships in Denmark”
Forough Hafezi moved from Iran to Denmark five years ago. Today, she considers Denmark her home and especially values the country's work-life balance, trust, and flat organisational structures – although getting to know the Danes has taken some effort.
“Our family would love to stay in Denmark”
“Everyone is met with trust, and that's something many other countries are sorely lacking,” says Kazi Deluwar Ahmed. He moved from Bangladesh to Denmark to work in life sciences and hopes his family will be able to stay in Denmark.
Inge dreamed of adventure and became Greenland’s first chief pharmacist
Inge Mortensen, a trained pharmacist, has always had a strong urge to explore. In the 1990s, she joined a dog sled expedition in Greenland. That trip marked the beginning of an entirely new life in the far north, where Inge lived and worked for 25 years.
“It has made me stand by my ambitions”
Big dreams and inspiring life experiences have been the theme of the mentoring journey between Efstathios Vassiliadis and Jasmin Farshchi. The pair have discussed career paths and personal goals – and how to listen to your own ambitions.
Marlene lost her job at Novo: “At Pharmadanmark, I have never felt like just another member”
Last autumn, Novo Nordisk said goodbye to thousands of employees – Marlene Lottrup was one of them. She received support from Pharmadanmark to handle the situation, and today she has secured a new job.
Désirée went into action mode when layoffs hit Novo Nordisk
Désirée Asgreen was right at the centre of the mass layoffs at Novo Nordisk last autumn. As chair of the employee club LASA, she spent months using almost every waking hour helping her colleagues through a turbulent time.
“We often encounter diseases we have never heard of before”
Elsebet Østergaard is a physician and professor specialising in clinical genetics. Every day, she sees patients with rare diseases, and it is not uncommon for her to encounter diagnoses she has never seen before.