ALK is a Danish pharmaceutical company specializing in allergy immunotherapy, headquartered in Hørsholm, Denmark. The company was founded in 1923, and its name derives from “Allergologisk Laboratorium København” (Allergological Laboratory Copenhagen).[1]
Design and History
ALK introduced its current logo and visual identity in July 2008. The new identity was designed to communicate ALK’s leading position in specific allergy treatment and its strong scientific heritage.[1] The redesign coincided with a name change: the company shortened its public name from ALK-Abelló to ALK, although ALK-Abelló remained the legal name.[2]
The logo consists of a number of particles or dots that gradually transform into a logotype. According to the company, this was inspired by the fact that ALK turns the complex world of allergy and allergen particles into an effective treatment of the cause of allergy. The shape of vials, drops and tablets from ALK’s allergy vaccines also served as inspiration for the designers, though the company notes the logo is open to interpretation.[1]
Both the visual identity and a custom-made typeface were developed by e-Types, a Copenhagen-based strategic design agency.[1]
Meaning and Symbolism
The primary colors of the visual identity are blue and orange. The dark blue communicates the roots of ALK and its position in the pharmaceutical business, while the warm orange adds a human approach to allergy treatment. The full color palette was adapted from Scandinavian design traditions to communicate the geographical heritage of the company.[1]
In 2023, ALK introduced a new corporate tagline, “allergy solutions for life,” as part of a general refresh of its corporate brand. The tagline was developed through testing and feedback from key stakeholders both inside and outside the company, and was intended to reflect both ALK’s long history of allergy expertise and its future as a broader allergy company.[3]
Typography and Design
Along with the 2008 logo, e-Types created a custom-made typeface, described as a modern sans serif, designed to add identity to all ALK materials.[1]
Logo Index is an independent educational archive covering logos, visual identities and graphic design history. All trademarks and brand assets remain the property of their respective owners.
