Ascendis Pharma, a global biopharmaceutical company specialising in rare endocrine and other diseases, opens new office for the UK and Ireland
- The company, with two endocrinology products approved by both the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), is developing additional endocrinology and oncology therapies, and has formed strategic partnerships in other indications and markets.
- The development of these drugs is based on the innovative TransCon® technology platform, which combines the efficacy of the parent drug, whose biology is known, with the benefits of prodrug and a sustained release mechanisms.
London, United Kingdom, February 6th 2024 – Ascendis Pharma UK, a subsidiary of the global biopharmaceutical company with a portfolio of products and product candidates specialising in rare endocrine diseases, has opened a UK office and appointed a senior management team led by UK General Manager Ben Whitehouse.
Whitehouse said: "As we look back at 2024, we can take pride in the expansion of Ascendis Pharma in the UK. Our experienced senior leadership team is testament to our commitment to making a meaningful difference for patients living with rare endocrine diseases in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.”
Whitehouse has two decades of leadership in the pharmaceutical industry and has played key roles in developing rare disease programmes, establishing partnerships and paving the way forward for underserved populations. Before joining Ascendis Pharma, Whitehouse was Head of Rare Diseases for the UK and Ireland at Sanofi and previously spent over 14 years at Astra Zeneca and Eli Lilly.
The senior leadership team includes Dr. Atiya Kenworthy, Medical Director who has 18 years of experience in medical affairs and research and development. Dr. Kenworthy’s experience is rooted in the UK and European rare disease landscape, working with regulatory bodies, patient advisory groups and reimbursement bodies. Previously Dr. Kenworthy held senior roles at GenSight Biologics, Zogenix International, Alexion and Santen.
Dr. Kenworthy is joined by Dr. Florence Carissan, Medical Science Liaison UK and Ireland. Dr. Carissan, adds a further 22 years experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry to the team and reinforces Ascendis Pharma's commitment to scientific excellence and patient-centred care.
Katherine Wilson has also joined as Head of Market Access UK and Ireland. Wilson, who has many years of experience working in the area of market access and healthcare strategy. Previous roles include more than three years at Astellas Pharma in various leadership positions, including Market Access Medicines Lead and Market Access Manager (Pricing & Reimbursement).
Whitehouse said: "Looking ahead, Ascendis Pharma is committed as ever to innovation and partnering, working together in the healthcare network with stakeholders to understand and address patient needs and further improve access to medications.”
About Ascendis Pharma
Ascendis Pharma is applying its innovative TransCon technology platform to build a leading, fully integrated biopharma company focused on making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. Guided by our core values of Patients, Science and Passion, we use our TransCon technologies to create new therapies. Ascendis is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark and has additional facilities in Europe and the United States. In the UK our office is in London and to find out more about Ascendis please visit www.ascendispharma.com.
Ascendis, Ascendis Pharma, the Ascendis Pharma logo, the company logo, and TransCon are trademarks owned by the Ascendis Pharma group. © December 2025 Ascendis Pharma A/S.
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