Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen

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Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen
Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of Novo Nordisk Foundation - photo 1.jpg
Thomsen in September 2021
BornDecember 27, 1960
CitizenshipDanish
EducationDVM, PhD and DSc
Employer Novo Nordisk Foundation
TitleCEO of Novo Nordisk Foundation
Board member ofTechnical University of Denmark (DTU), University of Copenhagen
Honours2022: Knight of Order of the Dannebrog
2024: Golden Plate Award by The American Academy of Achievement

Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen (born December 27, 1960) is a Danish businessman, CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation [1] [2] [3] and former Executive Vice President of Research & Development, head of R&D and Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. [4]

Contents

Education and background

Thomsen went to boarding school in Epsom, Surrey in Great Britain from 1967 to 1971. He graduated from high school from Rungsted Statsskole in 1979. He holds a master's degree from The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University in 1986, now part of the University of Copenhagen. According to Krogsgaard Thomsen himself, he originally wanted to be a practicing veterinarian, and was inspired by the British television series All Creatures Great And Small. [5] At the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, however, he started to take an interest in pursuing a career in either science or the pharmaceutical industry. He finished his PhD. from the same university in 1989 and obtained the DSc. (Doctor of Science) degree within the pharmacology of experimental therapeutics in 1991. [6]

Career

Thomsen worked as a pharmacologist at Leo Pharmaceutical Products from 1989 to 1991 and was thereafter employed by Novo Nordisk in as head of Growth Hormone Research. He became senior vice president for diabetes R&D in 1994 and was appointed senior vice president of Health Care Discovery in 1995.

In November 2000, he was appointed executive vice president of Global R&D and chief scientific officer (CSO). [4] As chief scientific officer, he was responsible for the research and development of 20 [6] medicine products within diabetes, obesity and biopharmaceuticals. He led the development of GLP-1 therapies that today are among the leading treatments within type 2 diabetes and obesity. He left the position as executive vice president of R&D on February 28 in 2021 and took the role as CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation on March 1, 2021. [1]

He has been the president of the Danish Academy of Technical Sciences [7] and has been on the board of directors at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and University of Copenhagen. [7] From 2017 to 2020, Thomsen was the chairman of the board of directors at University of Copenhagen. Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen received the royal decoration of Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog by the Danish Royal House on 12 December, 2022. [8]

In 2024, Thomsen received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement, presented by Awards Council member Robert S. Langer. [9]

Novo Nordisk

Thomsen joined Novo Nordisk in 1991 [10] as the head of growth hormone research. [11] In 1994, he was appointed senior vice president of diabetes research & development. [11] In November 2000, he became executive vice president and chief scientific officer, [12] [7] overseeing global operations related to drug and device research, chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC), [11] global development, medical affairs, regulatory affairs, and safety. [7] During his tenure, more than 20 pharmaceutical products were developed and approved. [11] [13]

Development of GLP-1-based therapies

During his tenure as chief scientific officer at Novo Nordisk, Thomsen played a significant role in the development of GLP-1-based therapies, including Ozempic and Wegovy. In the early 1990s, despite skepticism from company leadership regarding the potential of obesity treatments, Thomsen advocated for focusing on obesity as a significant health issue. [14] This strategic direction led to the development of Ozempic , approved for Type 2 diabetes treatment in 2017, and Wegovy , approved for weight loss in 2021. Both medications are based on semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist designed to regulate blood sugar levels and appetite.

Novo Nordisk Foundation

On March 1, 2021, Thomsen was appointed CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, [15] [13] [16] a philanthropic organization that funds research in health, life sciences, and sustainability.

Academic and scientific contributions

Thomsen has been an adjunct professor at the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University (now the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen) since 2000. He has also served on the editorial boards of various international peer-reviewed journals and has published extensively in the fields of pharmacology, immunology, endocrinology, and haemostasis.

List of publications associated to Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen [17] [18] :

YearPublicationAuthors
1989Biological variation in random and leukotriene B4-directed migration of canine neutrophilsM.Krogsgaard Thomsen, H Strøm
1989Histopathological Changes in Canine Allergic Contact Dermatitis Patch Test Reactions: A study on spontaneously hypersensitive dogsMads Krogsgaard Thomsen,Henrik Klem Thomsen
1989Inhibition by the LTD4 antagonist, SR2640, of effects of LTD4 on canine polymorphonuclear leukocyte functionsMads Krogsgaard Thomsen, Ian Ahnfelt-Rønne
1990Effect of proinflammatory mediators on canine neutrophil migration and aggregationH Strøm, M.K. Thomsen
1990Effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on canine neutrophil chemotaxisH Strøm, M. Krogsgaard Thomsen
1990LTD4 increases cytosolic free calcium and inositol phosphates in human neutrophils: inhibition by the novel LTD4 receptor antagonist, SR2640, and possible relation to modulation of chemotaxisPierre Bouchelouche, Ian Ahnfelt-Rønne, M K Thomsen
1990Is interleukin-1 alpha a direct activator of neutrophil migration and phagocytosis in the dog?M K Thomsen
1990Effects of etodolac, indomethacin and sodium salicylate on canine neutrophil functionM K Thomsen, Tine Skak-Nielsen,

Ian Ahnfelt-Rønne

1991Purification and Characterization of Hepatic Microsomal Cytochrome P-450 in Phenobarbital- and β-Naphthoflavone-Treated PigsMads Krogsgaard Thomsen, Christian Friis, Poul Nielsen
1991Impairment of Neutrophil Functions in a Dog with an Eosinophilic DermatosisHœmmet granulocytfunktion hos en hund med en eosinofil dermatoseM. Krogsgaard Thomsen, A. Lundorff Jensen, E. Bindseil, F. Kristensen
1991Reassessment of two Boyden chamber methods for measuring canine neutrophil migration: the leading front and the lower surface count assaysMads Krogsgaard Thomsen, Asger L Jensen
1991Substance P: a neurogenic mediator of acute cellular inflammation in the dog?M. Krogsgaard Thomsen
1991The role of neutrophil-activating mediators in canine healthand disease (with special reference to the role of leukotrienes in inflammatory dermatoses)M. Krogsgaard Thomsen
19911,25(OH)2-D3 is a potent regulator of interleukin-1 induced interleukin-8 expression and productionChristian Gronhoj Larsen, Mette Deleuran

Kirsten Paludan, Bent Deleuran, Mads K. Thomsen, Claus Zachariae, Knud Kragballe Kouji Matsushima, Kristian Thestrup-Pedersen

1991Enhanced granulocyte function in a case of chronic granulocytic leukemia in a dogMads K. Thomsen, Asger L Jensen, Tine Skak-Nielsen, Flemming Kristensen
1991Effect of the leukotriene LTD4 LTE4 antagonist, SR 2640, in ulcerative colitis: An open clinical studyOle Haagen Nielsen, Ian Ahnfelt-Rønne, M K Thomsen, A-M. Kissmeyer, Ebbe Langholz
1991Inhibition of Leukotriene Biosynthesis and Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Functions by Orally Active QuinolylmethoxyphenylaminesDorte Kirstein, Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, Ian Ahnfelt-Rønne
1991Recombinant Human Interleukin-8 Is a Potent Activator of Canine Neutrophil Aggregation, Migration, and Leukotriene B4 BiosynthesisM. Krogsgaard Thomsen, Christian Gronhoj Larsen, H. Kiem Thomsen, D Kirstein, Tine Skak-Nielsen, Ian Ahnfelt-Rønne, K Thestrup-Pedersen
1991[Leukotrienes. A review of the significance for disease in man and the possibilities for therapeutic intervention]M K Thomsen, Ian Ahnfelt-Rønne
1991Impairment of neutrophil functions in a dog with an eosinophilic dermatosisM K Thomsen, Asger L Jensen, E Bindseil, F Kristensen
1991Effects of interleukin-1α on migration of canine neutrophils in vitro and in vivoMads Krogsgaard Thomsen, Henrik Klem Thomsen
1993Pharmacokinetics of Recombinant Factor VIIa in the Rat – A Comparison of Bio-, Immuno- and Isotope AssaysMads Krogsgaard Thomsen, Viggo Diness, Povl Nilsson, Søren Nørgaard Rasmussen, Tammie Taylor, Ulla Hedner
1993Accumulation of the Recombinant Factor VIIa in Rat Bone: Importance of the Gla‐Domain and Relevance to Factor IX, another Vitamin K‐Dependent Clotting FactorMads Krogsgaard Thomsen, Peter Wildgoose, Povl Nilsson, Ulla Hedner
1993Distribution of the Recombinant Coagulation Factor 125I-rFVIIa in RatsTammie Taylor, M K Thomsen
1993A note on the effect of sulphidopeptide leukotrienes on granulocytes in asthmaM. Krogsgaard Thomsen, Ian Ahnfelt-Rønne
1993ETH615, a synthetic inhibitor of leukotriene biosynthesis and function, also inhibits the production of and biological responses toward interleukin-8Mette Deleuran, Tan Jinquan, Mads K. Thomsen, Claus Zachariae, Kirsten Paludan, Ian Ahnfelt-Rønne, Kouki Matsushima, Kristian Thestrup-Pedersen, Christian Gronhoj Larsen
1993Polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocyte chemotactic hyperresponsiveness in a case of canine acromegalyAsger L Jensen, Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, Helle Aaes

Margit Andreasen, Jan Søndergaard

1994Pharmacological Characterization of a Biosynthetic Trisulfide‐Containing Hydrophobic Derivative of Human Growth Hormone: Comparison with Standard 22 K Growth HormoneMads Krogsgaard Thomsen, Birgit Sehested Hansen, Povl Nilsson

Jette Nowak, Peter B Johansen, Preben Damsgaard Thomsen, Jesper Christiansen

1994Studies on the Renal Kinetics of Growth Hormone (GH) and on the GH Receptor and Related Effects in AnimalsM Krogsgaard Thomsen, C Friis, B Sehested Hansen, Peter B Johansen, C Eschen, J Nowak, K Poulsen
1995The delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction is dependent on IL-8. Inhibition of a tuberculin skin reaction by an anti-IL-8 monoclonal antibody.Christian Gronhoj Larsen, M K Thomsen, Borbala Gesser, P D Thomsen, Bent Deleuran, J Nowak, V Skødt, H K Thomsen, Mette Deleuran, K Thestrup-Pedersen
1996Effects of heparin and aminoguanidine on glomerular basement membrane thickening in diabetic ratsPeter Oturai, R Rasch, E Hasselager, Peter B Johansen, H Yokoyama, M K Thomsen, Bjarne Myrup, Allan kofoed-enevoldsen, T Deckert


Awards and recognition

Thomsen has been recognized for his contributions to pharmaceutical research and development. His work has supported advancements in drug discovery and innovation in medical science.

Positions of employment

Board positions

Thomsen has held several leadership and advisory positions in academia and industry. [6] Additionally, he has served as chairman of the Danish Biotech Research and Innovation Centre and has participated in governmental committees related to post-graduate education reforms in Denmark.

Personal life

Thomsen is married to Ulla. He has three children from previous marriages. [19]

References

  1. 1 2 Mostrup, Christian (February 3, 2021). "Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen appointed as new CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation". Novo Nordisk Fonden.
  2. ↑ Heimer, Hakon (February 24, 2021). "Leadership Change at Novo Nordisk Foundation | Nordic Society for Precision Medicine". nshg-pm.org. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
  3. ↑ "New CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation". european-biotechnology.com. February 24, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
  4. 1 2 "Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen". sciencenews.dk (in Danish). Retrieved May 27, 2021.
  5. ↑ Friis, Rasmus (March 3, 2022). "Det hele faldt på plads for Mads Krogsgaard på andet semester". Uniavisen. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
  6. 1 2 3 "Speakers". cbmr.ku.dk. May 30, 2024. Retrieved January 11, 2025.
  7. 1 2 3 4 "Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen - Agenda Contributor". World Economic Forum. Archived from the original on December 23, 2024. Retrieved January 11, 2025.
  8. ↑ (Danish) - Overview of recipients of Danish decorations: https://www.kongehuset.dk/monarkiet-i-danmark/ordener-og-medaljer/modtagere-af-danske-dekorationer/#oversigt-over-modtagere-af-danske-dekorationer
  9. 1 2 "Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement". achievement.org. American Academy of Achievement.
  10. ↑ Adams, Ben (February 3, 2021). "Novo Nordisk's long-term chief scientific officer Thomsen retires, becomes its foundation chief". www.fiercebiotech.com. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  11. 1 2 3 4 "Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen". Science News. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  12. ↑ "Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen - CEO at Novo Nordisk Foundation". The Org. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  13. 1 2 "Our management". Novo Nordisk Fonden. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  14. ↑ Wertheim, Jon; Chasan, Aliza; Gavshon, Michael; Roberts, Nadim (November 3, 2024). "Scientist behind Ozempic started her career developing laundry detergent". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  15. ↑ "Speakers". cbmr.ku.dk. May 30, 2024. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  16. ↑ "Leadership Change at Novo Nordisk Foundation". Nordic Society for Precision Medicine. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  17. ↑ Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen’s research while affiliated with Novo Nordisk and other places - https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Mads-Krogsgaard-Thomsen-39715658/publications/1#articles
  18. ↑ Research publications associated with M K Thomsen: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Thomsen+MK&cauthor_id=4080535&size=100
  19. ↑ Mortensen, Thomas Mikkel (October 5, 2019). "Efter ti års fejlslagen forskning fik Mads en dristig idé: Nu har Novo ramt en guldåre". Berlingske.dk (in Danish). Retrieved May 27, 2021.
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