Novo Nordisk is a biotech-based healthcare company with the broadest diabetes product portfolio in the industry and a world leader in diabetes care. In addition, it has a leading position in haemostasis management, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy and is currently expanding into the new therapeutic areas of cancer and inflammation. Its products are marketed in 179 countries.

As a focused healthcare company and world leader in diabetes care, Novo Nordisk is committed to maintaining its strong position in this field, which builds on more than 80 years experience. Its diabetes strategy is based on the industry's broadest portfolio of insulin analogues and injection devices, together with cutting-edge research and a wide range of partnerships.

The biopharmaceuticals business is an increasing growth driver for the company, curently fuelled by NovoSeven. Novo Nordisk intends to build a broader biopharmaceuticals business, with new business areas focusing on immunotherapy in cancer and inflammation. The company already has a number of projects in early-phase development in these areas, but they are unlikely to significantly contribute to its business within the next ten years. However, to accelerate this process Novo Nordisk is establishing the technology platform and strengthening the skills base required, both in-house and with partners.

Novo Nordisk is working to create a culture of innovation throughout its entire organisation. It recently conducted a review of its capacity to innovate and as a result, a number of projects have been selected for future development. It has previously developed a new technology for prolonging the duration of insulin, which has been used in the development of the insulin analogue, Levemir, and liraglutide. The technology has the potential to be applicable to any biopharmaceutical compound.

Novo Nordisk plans to expand its sales and marketing activities, particularly in the US and Chinese markets.