Short presentation

I am an Associate Professor in Endocrinology and Metabolism at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. My research focuses on the molecular and physiological mechanisms that regulate food and alcohol intake in humans. Specifically, I investigate nutrient-specific appetites and satiety using human-centric models to uncover signaling pathways involved in eating behavior and substance use.

Our group discovered that the liver hormone FGF21 selectively suppresses appetite for sugars and is secreted in response to sugar—and especially alcohol—intake in both rodents and humans. We further demonstrated that common SNPs in the FGF21 gene are associated with increased candy and alcohol consumption in Danes, and that long-acting FGF21 analogues reduce alcohol intake by up to 50% in alcohol-preferring non-human primates, suggesting that FGF21 is an endocrine negative feedback signal that reduces sugar and alcohol appetite. We further found that FGF21 secretion is dramatically increased by sustained binge drinking at Oktoberfest. This work provided the scientific foundation for an ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial (NN9500-7730) by Novo Nordisk A/S investigating the effects of once-weekly Zalfermin, an FGF21 analogue, on markers of hepatic damage and alcohol intake in patients with alcoholic liver disease.

The overarching goal of my research is to identify molecular targets that can be translated into therapies for obesity and alcohol use disorder, bridging basic metabolic science with human health.

Primary fields of research

• Molecular mechanisms of appetite regulation
• Human metabolic physiology
• Neurobiology of eating and addiction
• Nutrient signaling and nutrient-specific satiety
• Behavioral responses to food and alcohol

Current research

My current research examines how individual nutrients (i.e. ethanol, fat, protein, and carbohydrates) influence appetite via dedicated endocrine, satiety, and reward circuits. We use integrated human studies—including molecular profiling and behavioral phenotyping—to elucidate how disruptions in nutrient sensing contribute to obesity and addictive behaviors. In parallel, we are developing state-of-the-art human cell-based systems to model these regulatory pathways and accelerate the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for obesity and addiction. This work aims to unite basic metabolic research with translational applications in public health and therapeutics.

Fields of interest

• Nutrient-reward system interactions
• Human-based models of appetite and addiction
• Translational approaches to metabolic disorders
• Satiety and addiction biomarkers
• Personalized strategies for weight and addiction management

CV

I hold a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Physiology from Yale University, where I trained under Dr. Gerald Shulman, and a BS in Biology with minors in History and Chemistry from Duke University. I completed postdoctoral training with Dr. George Richerson at Yale and the University of Iowa, where I also served as a Research Assistant Professor until 2014. That year, I established a research lab as an Assistant Professor and Group Leader at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, becoming a tenured Associate Professor in 2017. From 2022 to 2024, I was a Principal Scientist in Obesity and Liver Pharmacology at Novo Nordisk, followed by a role as Associate Director in Early Innovation, Outreach, and Alliances (2024–2025). I currently serve as an Associate Professor in Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Copenhagen in the Department of Biomedical Sciences.

Teaching

• Human physiology, pathophysiology and metabolic regulation
• Appetite and satiety mechanisms
• Nutritional sciences
• Research methodology in human studies
• Translational metabolism and endocrine disorders