Let’s pave the way for curing skin diseases
The LEO Foundation is one of Denmark’s largest enterprise foundations and an engaged owner of the pharmaceutical company LEO Pharma. The Foundation’s main objective is to ensure the company’s long-term development and success as a global leader in dermatology, delivering outstanding results.
In addition to its ownership role, the LEO Foundation is one of the largest private funders of independent skin research at universities and hospitals worldwide. The Foundation provides philanthropic grants to support research that pioneers new discoveries and transforms our understanding of the skin and its diseases. Over the years, the LEO Foundation has awarded around DKK 1.5 billion to independent research.
The Foundation also manages financial assets of around DKK 18.3bn. These assets are invested with the main objectives of ensuring the continued capability to support LEO Pharma’s long-term development and provide funds for philanthropic activities.
The LEO Foundation was established in 1984 by Knud E. Abildgaard, who at the time was the owner of LEO Pharma.
Until 2021, the Foundation was the sole owner of LEO Pharma. In 2021, the Foundation welcomed Nordic Capital as a minority shareholder and partner to the Foundation, who remains the company’s long-term controlling owner. The partnership with Nordic Capital will further support LEO Pharma’s development and strengthen its position in medical dermatology.
Not just numbers, but figures that matter
1984
year founded~80%
controlling shareholder of LEO Pharma18.3
DKK billion (~EUR 2.5bn) in financial assets, 2024~1,5
DKK billion (~EUR 200m) in total grants and awards350
active grantees275
DKK million in grants and awards, 2024How we pave the way…
Covering two square meters and performing many functions, the skin is a vital organ of the body, providing a defense against everything from infections to sun and cold. But what happens in the skin when, for example, eczema or psoriasis occurs? Skin diseases are among the most common health problems worldwide, affecting around one in three people. We have become significantly better at treating the 1,500 or so known skin diseases, but many patients still lack effective treatments.
The LEO Foundation’s strategic direction and ambitions toward 2030 address these challenges and are centered around our core purpose: Let’s pave the way for curing skin diseases.
Four ambitions with the focus on paving the way for curing skin diseases are at the heart of our work toward 2030. These ambitions are well founded in our charter and a rich history, with research into and treatment of skin diseases at its heart.
What we do
Pioneer new discoveries
We catalyze outstanding
research that pioneers
new discoveries and
transforms our understanding
of the skin and its
diseases.
Be an engaged owner
We assess, challenge,
and support LEO Pharma
in becoming a global leader
in medical dermatology
delivering outstanding
results.
Grow and diversify our assets
We generate attractive investment returns that enable us to ensure LEO Pharma’s long-term
continuation and strategic
development, as well as provide a growing basis for
philanthropic grants.
Drive sustainable development
We drive and
promoting sustainable
and responsible
practices across our
operations.
400 years of history
From the first Lion Pharmacy in 1620 to global dermatological front-runner in 2020.
The LEO Foundation was established in 1984 by Dr.h.c. Knud E. Abildgaard, who at the time was the owner of LEO Pharma. He did so to ensure LEO Pharma its future as an independent, research-based pharmaceutical company.
Abildgaard took over the company in 1939 after the company’s founder, Abildgaard’s father-in-law, pharmacist August Kongsted, passed away.
Kongsted had established LEO Pharma in his Copenhagen pharmacy – the Lion Pharmacy – in 1908. Using the latest advances in industrial processes, he set up pharmaceutical production in the basement of his shop.
Apart from heading his own venture, Kongsted also helped set up Nordisk Insulinlaboratorium (later to evolve into Novo Nordisk).
During Abildgaard’s ownership and management, LEO Pharma grew into an international, expansive and innovative organisation with sales and production around the world.
In the 1970s, Abildgaard announced plans to secure the continuation of his life’s work through the creation of a foundation. He intended to have LEO Pharma stay independent and able to further strengthen its position as a successful, international pharmaceutical company.
His plans crystalized in 1984, when he and his wife donated their shares in LEO Pharma to the LEO Foundation. While the foundation’s primary objective was to secure the long-term success of independence of LEO Pharma, it should also support independent research within the fields of medicine, chemistry and/or pharmacy through philanthropic grants.
Knud Abildgaard and his wife both passed away in 1986.
With the LEO Foundation’s long-term perspective and ownership, LEO Pharma has been able to evolve into a leading provider of dermatology care solutions to millions of patients across the world.
Our values reflect our heritage and aspirations
Integrity
We are transparent and responsible in all our actions and stand accountable for what we say and do.
Dedication
We take a long-term view and are committed to making a sustained difference within the areas we engage in.
Ambition
We set the bar high and have the courage to explore new ways to deliver results that contribute to the development of society.
Figures that matter
Get an insight into the Foundation’s key figures on grants and awards, administration costs etc.
