Event

Life-science delegation to Washington

Danish Industry and the Embassy of Denmark in Washington, D.C. invite Danish life science companies to participate in a tailored delegation program to Washington, D.C. from September 29 – October 1, 2026.

The U.S. policy environment for international life science companies is evolving rapidly. Trade policy, drug pricing discussions, reimbursement frameworks, supply chain resilience, geopolitical tensions, and increasing expectations around local manufacturing are reshaping the conditions for companies operating in the U.S. market. At the same time, political developments in Washington increasingly influence commercial strategy, investment decisions, market access, and long-term positioning.

Against this backdrop, the delegation is designed to provide Danish companies with direct access to key stakeholders, strategic insight into current U.S. policy developments, and a stronger understanding of the political and regulatory landscape shaping the healthcare sector.

Through meetings with authorities, policymakers, industry associations, think tanks, and legal experts, participants will gain practical insight, strategic context, and valuable connections that can support informed decision-making and long-term engagement in the United States.

The delegation is organized in close collaboration between Danish Industry and the Embassy of Denmark in Washington, D.C., combining DI’s expertise in international trade and geopolitical developments with the Embassy’s network and on-the-ground insight into the U.S. political and regulatory environment.

The program will include contributions from DI’s Senior Director, Peter Bay Kirkegaard, one of Denmark’s leading experts on international trade policy and geopolitical developments affecting Danish companies.

As with all high-level Washington engagement programs, meetings with federal agencies and policymakers are subject to availability and ongoing political and institutional priorities. The Embassy and DI are in close dialogue with relevant stakeholders and continuously work to secure the strongest possible program and access for participating companies.

Program Highlights

The delegation combines strategic briefings, high-level stakeholder meetings, and networking opportunities, offering participants a comprehensive perspective on the evolving U.S. life science landscape.

Strategic Insights from the Danish Embassy

The program will open with briefings from the Embassy’s health and commercial teams, providing an overview of:
• current political priorities in Washington,
• U.S. healthcare and market dynamics,
• trade and geopolitical developments affecting the sector,
• and key regulatory and commercial trends relevant to Danish life science companies.

The Danish Ambassador will also host a roundtable discussion and networking event at the Ambassador’s Residence, bringing together representatives from industry, policymakers, advocacy organizations, and other influential stakeholders from across the U.S. life science ecosystem. This will provide participating companies with a unique opportunity to strengthen relationships and engage directly with senior stakeholders in Washington.

Engagement with U.S. Authorities and Policymakers

The program aims to include engagement with key federal institutions such as:
• Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR),
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA),
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS),
• and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Discussions will focus on topics such as:
• trade policy and tariffs,
• reimbursement and pricing developments,
• regulatory priorities,
• supply chain resilience,
• market access,
• and the broader economic and political agenda influencing the life science sector.

Policy Perspectives and Strategic Analysis

Leading Washington-based think tanks and policy experts will share perspectives on:
• the direction of U.S. healthcare reform,
• current political dynamics,
• evolving conservative policy priorities,
• and the implications for international life science companies operating in the U.S.

Particular emphasis will be placed on engaging organizations influential in shaping the administration’s policy agenda, providing participants with strategic insight beyond day-to-day regulatory developments.

Dialogue with Industry Associations

The program also aims to include meetings with major U.S. industry organizations such as:
• Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA),
• and Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed).

These discussions will provide insight into industry priorities, advocacy efforts, and areas of alignment and collaboration within the U.S. market.

Legal and Regulatory Outlook

Participants will receive perspectives from a leading U.S. law firm on:
• the evolving legal and compliance landscape,
• regulatory risk,
• commercialization and licensing considerations,
• and emerging legal issues relevant to life science companies operating in the United States.

Program - Tentative

September 28 Day 1 September 29 Day 2 September 30 Day 3 October 1 Day 4

- Arrival
- Check-In and meet & greet at the hotel
- Embassy Briefings, Think Tanks, and Industry Associations
  
  Embassy Briefings
  • Introduction by the Embassy’s health and commercial teams
  • U.S. political developments, healthcare priorities, and market conditions
  • Geopolitical and trade developments affecting the life science sector
  
  Think Tank Meetings
  • Discussions with leading Washington-based policy institutions, including organizations such as:
  - America First Policy Institute (AFPI)
  - The Heritage Foundation
  
  Industry Associations
  • Meetings with:
  - Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
  - Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed)
- Authorities, Policymakers, and Strategic Stakeholders
  
  U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  Topics may include:
  • tariffs and trade policy,
  • Section 232/301 developments,
  • supply chain requirements,
  • market access,
  • manufacturing expectations,
  • and investment implications for international companies.
  
  Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
  Discussion on:
  • international trade negotiations,
  • trade policy priorities,
  • tariffs,
  • and implications for pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical technology companies.
  
  Additional meetings may include:
  
  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
  • reimbursement policy,
  • healthcare payment models,
  • and implications for the U.S. healthcare market.
  
  Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • regulatory priorities,
  • approval pathways,
  • and market access considerations.
  
  Roundtable Discussion and Networking Reception
  Hosted at the Residence of the Ambassador of Denmark.
- Congressional, Legal, and Regulatory Perspectives
  
  Congressional Perspectives
  The delegation aims to include meetings and discussions with congressional representatives and/or staff connected to relevant healthcare, trade, and industry committees.
  
  Topics may include:
  • current healthcare and trade legislation,
  • political priorities in Congress,
  • industrial policy and supply chain discussions,
  • pharmaceutical and medtech policy developments,
  • and the broader political outlook ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.
  
  King & Spalding
  Discussion on:
  • legal and regulatory developments,
  • commercialization and licensing strategies,
  • compliance considerations,
  • and strategic implications for life science companies operating in the U.S.
  
  Wrap-up Discussion
  Final reflections and discussion on key takeaways from the delegation and implications for Danish life science companies operating in the U.S. market.
  
  Departure.

Why Participate

The United States remains the world’s largest and most influential healthcare market, but the operating environment for international life science companies is becoming increasingly complex and politically driven.

Understanding developments in Washington is therefore no longer only relevant for government affairs functions - it is increasingly important for commercial leadership, market access, manufacturing strategy, investment planning, and long-term positioning in the U.S. market.

This delegation provides Danish life science companies with a rare opportunity to engage directly with influential stakeholders, gain insight into current political and regulatory developments, and better understand how evolving U.S. priorities may affect business decisions in the years ahead.

A strong and diversified Danish delegation will also demonstrate the long-term commitment of Danish life science companies to the United States, including investments in innovation, local partnerships, manufacturing, jobs, and healthcare solutions that contribute to improved patient outcomes.

By the end of the program, participants will be better positioned to assess risks and opportunities, strengthen strategic relationships, and navigate an increasingly dynamic U.S. policy environment.