executive management

Carlos Villaescusa

CO-FOUNDER | CEO & CSO

Carlos Villaescusa is a stem cell biologist and R&D leader with over 20 years of international experience in regenerative medicine, developmental biology, and translational research. At Novo Nordisk Cell Therapy R&D, Carlos served as Head of Department and Research Project Director, guiding multidisciplinary teams and building collaborations that bridged science, CMC, and regulatory strategy.

He has led programs across cardiovascular, ophthalmology, hearing loss, and neurodegenerative diseases, advancing pluripotent stem cell–based therapies from discovery to preclinical development. Earlier in his career, he established and directed the Stem Cell and Organoid Core Facility at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, supporting both academic and industrial research in organoid and iPSC technologies. His expertise spans pluripotent stem cell biology, cell differentiation and assay development, and translational development of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs).
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Driven by a commitment to accelerate the translation of cell-based innovations into therapies that improve patients’ lives, combining scientific depth with a pragmatic understanding of development and manufacturing realities.
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Michael Wagner Christiansen

CO-FOUNDER | CTO

Michael Wagner Christiansen is a cell therapy development specialist with over a decade of experience bridging research, process development, and GMP manufacturing in the field of advanced therapies.

As Associate Project Director at Novo Nordisk Cell Therapy R&D, Michael has led cross-functional teams responsible for translating laboratory innovation into scalable, compliant, and clinically ready manufacturing processes. His expertise spans 2D & 3D process development, GMP manufacturing and facility requirements, with deep knowledge of regulatory interactions, CMC strategy planning, and technology transfer. Prior to joining Novo Nordisk, he held scientific and engineering roles in both R&D and manufacturing environments.
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Combines scientific depth with a pragmatic, solutions-driven mindset, helping organizations navigate the complex interface between research and manufacturing to deliver robust, reproducible, and patient-ready cell therapy products.
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strategic advisory board

Allan E. Karlsen

Strategic Advisor | Stem Cell Biology & Translational Research

Allan E. Karlsen has served as Vice President and Head of Stem Cell Research at Novo Nordisk, with over 30 years of leadership experience spanning diabetes biology, regenerative medicine, and translational research. Former Corporate Vice President of the Hagedorn Research Institute and Adjunct Professor at Lund University. Deep expertise in driving innovation from molecular biology to clinical application and building international research collaborations.
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Sofia Håkansson Buch

Strategic Advisor | CMC & Manufacturing Strategy

Sofia Håkansson Buch has served as Vice President for Cell Therapy CMC at Novo Nordisk, with nearly 20 years of experience in biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing. Extensive leadership background covering recombinant protein technologies, process development, and production across mammalian and yeast systems. Responsible for establishing and leading global CMC and manufacturing strategies for stem cell–based therapies, bridging research to clinical manufacturing. Deep expertise in process translation, scale-up, and quality systems for advanced therapies.
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Tanja Villumsen

Strategic Advisor | Clinical Operations & Supply Strategy

Tanja Villumsen has served as Head of Clinical Supplies for Cell Therapy CMC at Novo Nordisk, bringing over a decade of expertise at the intersection of clinical operations, regulatory affairs, and pharmaceutical supply strategy. Tanja has spearheaded development of clinical supply chains for stem cell–based therapies, integrating CMC and clinical development to enable first-in-human studies. Her background spans the Danish life science sector and multiple governance roles. She serves on the boards of Pharmadanmark, PFA, and LASA, and contributes to advisory boards at Copenhagen Business School and the University of Copenhagen.
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equality, inclusion & ethical conduct

At Nordic Cell Therapy Group, we are committed to a respectful and inclusive working environment for all.We do not tolerate discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ethnicity, nationality, age, or disability.
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We value professionalism, integrity, and mutual respect in every collaboration, and we ensure equal opportunities and fair treatment for everyone we work with, internally and externally.
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As we engage with partners around the world, we uphold universal principles of human dignity, ethical conduct, and responsible science.
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our symbol

The logo of Nordic Cell Therapy Group unites science, medicine, and mythology into one emblem.

At its center lies a cluster of cells evoking the morula, the first form of new life, representing both origin and potential. Surrounding it, the serpent coiled about the staff of Asclepius embodies healing, wisdom, and transformation, while its forward motion conveys progress and protection.In Nordic mythology, the serpent also recalls Jörmungandr, the Midgard Serpent, encircling the earth, a symbol of balance, resilience, and renewal.

Together, these elements express our mission: to advance regenerative medicine through knowledge, integrity, and the power of collaboration.The deep green-blue color reflects growth and regeneration, echoing the natural harmony between science and life that defines our work.
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