Since 2002, Novo Nordisk has increased its focus on pharmaceuticals based on therapeutic proteins, and the company's pipeline of protein-based pharmaceuticals within diabetes, haemostasis, growth disorders and other diseases is larger than ever.
“Our core competences lie within therapeutic proteins, and it is within this area that we can make the greatest difference in terms of patient outcomes and company growth,” said Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, chief science officer of Novo Nordisk.
The decision will have a direct impact on approximately 180 employees. Novo Nordisk currently estimates that it will be possible to offer other positions within the company to approximately half of the affected employees. The company has initiated negotiations with the local unions regarding plans for redundancies.
Existing preclinical and clinical small-molecule projects, including NN9101, a glucokinase activator project currently in phase I clinical testing, are expected to be out-licensed.
Novo Nordisk said the decision does not change the preliminary guidance for 2007, which was provided on 27 October 2006. Furthermore Novo Nordisk still expects to increase spending in 2007 on research and development as a proportion of sales compared to the level for 2006.