From Novo Nordisk to a New Beginning in Cell Therapy
March 20, 2026 · Company
When Novo Nordisk closed its cell therapy activities in 2025, years of scientific work and experience risked being left behind.
For Carlos Villaescusa and Michael Wagner Christiansen, both former leaders within Novo Nordisk Cell Therapy, the decision came quickly: there was still important work worth pursuing.
That decision led to the creation of Nordic Cell Therapy Group and the continuation of two ophthalmology programs focused on restoring vision through cell therapy. As reported by Danish business newspaper Børsen, historical data supporting the programs were transferred to NCTG through a formal agreement with Novo Nordisk.
The article captured the company at the very beginning of that journey — with a small team, a new office in Copenhagen, and an ambition that remains unchanged: to see these therapies ultimately reach patients.
Since then, the next chapter has begun.
The corneal program is now being advanced through Corcellys Therapeutics, a dedicated biotechnology company focused on developing regenerative cell therapies for the ocular surface.
Read the original feature in Børsen →
https://borsen.dk/nyheder/virksomheder/tidligere-novo-folk-puster-nyt-liv-i-lukket-satsning
