Olav Johan Brænden (1 July 1919 – 14 July 1989) was a Norwegian pharmacist, drug expert and inventor. He led the construction and operation of the central laboratory for drug research at the United Nations Office at Geneva. He is also associated with his development of the patented medicine Brændens nesedråper (nose droplets). He was decorated Knight, First Class of the Order of St. Olav in 1980. He was made a member of the Norwegian Academy of Sciences from 1983.