1923
Doctor Kaj Hedemann Baagøe and pharmacist Poul Christian Krejner Tejn Barfod produce Denmark’s first pharmaceutically manufactured allergen extract at the Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet). In 1928, production of allergy vaccines and diagnostics is moved to Frihavns Pharmacy
1949
Production of allergy vaccines and diagnostics is separated from Frihavns Pharmacy to become an independent unit called Allergologisk Laboratorium (Allergology Laboratory), which becomes a public limited company in 1961.
1972
Doctor Bent Weeke and chemist Henning Løwenstein develop the technique known as ‘Crossed Radio Immuno Electrophoresis’, which makes it possible to very accurately identify the proteins that provoke allergies in individual patients. The results lay the foundations for a standardisation of allergy vaccines and are presented at the European Allergy Congress in Oslo in 1972.
1976
Danish Allergen Standardisation 1976 (DAS 76)’ is completed on the basis of Løwenstein and Weeke’s techniques. The collaborative project enables Allergology Laboratory – as the first in the world – to distinguish and standardise allergen extracts.
1978
Allergology Laboratory markets the first standardised allergy vaccine under the Alutard SQ® brand (SQ stands for Standardised Quality).
1984
The sales company ALK America Inc. is founded in the United States. In 1985, Allergology Laboratory
is approved by the US health authorities (FDA).
1986
Allergology Laboratory officially changes its name to ALK (Allergologisk Laboratorium København) and, in 1987, moves to the science park in Hørsholm, Denmark.
1990
Abelló S.A. launches the first product for sublingual allergy vaccination (droplets administered under the tongue) in Southern Europe. The PAT (Preventative Allergy Treatment) study is initiated in collaboration with leading European allergy specialists. The study finds that allergy vaccination prevents the development of asthma.
1992
ALK acquires its largest competitor ‘Alergia e Inmunologia Abelló S.A.’ headquartered in Madrid.
1998
WHO, the World Health Organisation, recommends allergy vaccination in a Position Paper.
2003
ALK launches SLITone® – the world’s first sublingual allergy vaccine in single dose containers.
2006-08
ALK launches GRAZAX® – the world’s first registered tablet-based allergy vaccine.