Discovery and Development of Medicines

We have assembled a unique team of industrial speakers, who are experts in the broad spectrum of activities involved in discovery and development of medicines. The course will cover both the theoretic background and give an industrial perspective on modern drug discovery and development.

The topics taught are:

• Target evaluation and biopharmaceuticals
• Identification of lead structures
• Medicinal chemistry: Lead optimization and synthesis
• Non-clinical safety
• Animal biology and pharmacology
• Preformulation
• Pharmaceutical formulation
• Clinical trials
• Quality assurance
• Regulatory affairs
• Production
• Marketing

On completion of the course, participants will have a comprehensive overview and understanding of drug discovery and development and a sound grasp of the fundamentals of the major implicated disciplines in order to:

• Upon completion of this course you will understand the drug discovery and development process.
• You will have learned how to identify correct professional terms and communicate professionally with the various specialist groups in the drug development industry.
• You will be able to identify the important transition points and milestones for the progress that require involvement of authorities.
• You will be able to plan a development process within the regulatory framework.

Professionals in need of interdisciplinary overview

The course is for professionals in the pharmaceutical industry who has a desire to get a comprehensive overview on how drugs are discovered and developed in the pharmaceutical industry today.

Participants must

• Hold a relevant bachelor degree or equivalent
• Have a minimum 2 years of relevant job experience in drug development
• Be proficient in English

Find detailed information about the admission criteria.

Course responsible
Assoc Prof Anders Bach, University of Copenhagen

Visiting experts from the pharmaceutical industry

Søren Østergaard, Novo Nordisk
Mads Grønborg, Novo Nordisk
Julie Kaae Klint, Lundbeck
Søren Møller Nielsen, Lundbeck
Anette Graven Sams, Lundbeck
Dorte Kold Jensen, LEO Pharma
Anders Lohse, Niels Clauson-Kaas
Per Rexen, Novo Nordisk
Morten Dahl Sørensen, LEO Pharma
Helle Northeved, Lundbeck
Klaus Gjervig Jensen, NMD Pharma
Frank Larsen, Lundbeck
Jesper F Bastlund, Lundbeck
Benjamin Hall, Lundbeck
Heidi Lopez de Diego, Lundbeck
Jette Bisgaard Boll, Lundbeck
Lars Hovgaard, Novo Nordisk
Erik Skibssted, Novo Nordisk
Petteri Heljo, LEO Pharma
Tue Hansen, Novo Nordisk
Louise Bastholm Jensen, LEO Pharma
Anette Torstenson, Lundbeck
Karina Nymark, LEO Pharma
Sidse Schjøtz, ALK
Stine Kihl-Plambek, Ferring
Christian Bressen Pipper, LEO Pharma
Gitte Dyhr, Lundbeck
Dorte Bjørn-Larsen, Novo Nordisk
Anette Hjelmsmark, Novo Nordisk
Troels V. Christensen, Lundbeck
Anders Krabbe, Zealand Pharma

This list of lecturers may be subject to change.

This course has enhanced my understanding of research scientists and the CMC department thereby giving me tools to improve my collaboration with them. 

Through the course I have achieved a greater understanding of the development processes that forms the product. This gives me an understanding of what I am a part of. The course should be mandatory for starters in the drug development industry. 

This course is offered as a compulsory course in Master of Industrial Drug Development and in Master of Medicines Regulatory Affairs.

Priority is given to students enrolled on Master of Industrial Drug Development and Master of Medicines Regulatory Affairs. Once the enrolled students have been admitted to the course, the remaining seats are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.