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Novo Nordisk

Danish pharmaceutical company

Novo Nordisk, headquartered in Bagsværd, produces diabetes care medications and devices. It was formed in 1989 through a merger of two Danish companies. The company's main product is semaglutide, marketed under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. Novo Nordisk employs over 48,000 people globally and operates in 168 countries. It is known for its sustainability efforts and is a member of EFPIA. Novo Nordisk is the largest pharmaceutical company in Denmark and has a market capitalization exceeding Denmark's GDP.

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Timeline

Novo Nordisk founded

Novo Nordisk, a globally founded healthcare company, was established more than 100 years ago with headquarters outside of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Nordisk Foundation Establishment

The Nordisk Foundation was established in the 1920s, laying the foundation for future developments and initiatives.

Discovery of Insulin

The discovery of insulin in 1921 led to the establishment of Nordisk Insulinlaboratorium and Novo Terapeutisk Laboratorium, marking the beginning of a century-long history for the company.

Introduction of Insulin

In 1922, insulin production began in Scandinavia after the extraction and purification technique was brought to Denmark from Canada by August Krogh. This breakthrough in medical science revolutionized the treatment of diabetes, significantly improving life expectancy for those affected.

Discovery of Insulin

The discovery of insulin in 1923 revolutionized the treatment of diabetes, allowing patients to manage their condition and live longer, healthier lives.

Disagreement Leading to Resignation and Firing

In 1924, a disagreement within the company led to the firing of Thorvald Pedersen and the resignation of Harald Petersen. This event had far-reaching consequences for the history of the Group.

Adoption of Novo Nordisk logo

The Novo Nordisk logo, featuring the Apis Bull, has been the company's logo since 1926. It is a stylised reproduction of an Egyptian statuette dating from circa 664–323 BC, representing the eternal dualities of life.

Development of NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) Insulin

NPH insulin was developed in 1946, and it soon became a major part of the world's consumption of longer-acting insulin. It allowed people with diabetes to require fewer injections. The insulin is named after Hans Christian Hagedorn, who discovered the prolonging effect of protamine on insulin.

Commercial Production of Stable Form of Penicillin

By 1947 Novo researchers obtained the desired results and the company became one of the first to commercially produce this stable form of penicillin.

Novo Foundation Establishment

Harald and Thorvald Pedersen founded the Novo Foundation in 1951, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in the organization's history.

Novo Nordisk production plant in Kalundborg

In 1969, Novo Nordisk opened a production plant in Kalundborg, Denmark, designed by Danish architect Arne Jacobsen. The facility, which features visible pipelines, continues to produce half of the world’s insulin.

Nordisk's First Human Growth Hormone

Nordisk marketed the company’s first human growth hormone in 1973, which paved the way for Novo Nordisk to become one of the world’s largest manufacturers of this therapy.

Listing of Novo Industri A/S on Copenhagen Stock Exchange

Novo Industri A/S was listed on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange in 1974, with the Novo Foundation retaining a controlling interest.

Insulin Created Using Recombinant DNA Technology

In 1980, insulin became the first therapeutic protein to be created using recombinant DNA technology, leading to the production of 'human insulin' that is identical to the insulin produced by our bodies.

Establishment of Presence in the United States

In 1982, Novo Nordisk established its presence in the United States, marking a significant expansion of its operations.

Launch of NovoPen®

NovoPen® was launched in 1985 as the first insulin pen device, revolutionizing insulin self-administration by providing a discrete and accurate means of insulin delivery. It has since become a design icon and symbolizes Novo Nordisk's commitment to improving the quality of life for people with chronic diseases.

Genetically Engineered Human Insulin Products

In 1987, Novo introduced the first human insulin products manufactured using genetically engineered yeast cells, marking a groundbreaking advancement in insulin production.

Merger of Novo Foundation and Nordisk Insulinlaboratorium

In January 1989, the Novo Foundation and Nordisk Insulinlaboratorium announced their merger into the Novo Nordisk Foundation, marking one of the largest mergers in Denmark’s corporate history. The event unleashed tremendous external attention and had a significant impact internally, resonating with employees at all levels.

Establishment of Injectable Finished Products (IFP) facility in Clayton, North Carolina

Over 30 years ago, the Injectable Finished Products (IFP) facility was established in Clayton, North Carolina. This facility is where several diabetes and obesity medications are manufactured.

Merger of Novo and Nordisk diabetes hospitals

In 1992, the diabetes hospitals established by Novo and Nordisk in Denmark merged to form the Steno Diabetes Center, aiming to provide specialized care and gain a better understanding of patients' needs.

Launch of First Effective Treatment for People with Haemophilia with Inhibitors

In 1996, the first effective treatment for people with haemophilia with inhibitors, developed by Dr. Ulla Hedner, was launched, quickly becoming the gold standard of care for many rare bleeding disorders.

Lotte Bjerre Knudsen turns GLP-1 hormone into a long-acting drug candidate

In 1997, Lotte Bjerre Knudsen successfully transformed the short-lived GLP-1 hormone into a long-acting drug candidate. However, the initial test failed due to a low dosage, and the company faced challenges in starting a new trial.

Stepping Up Attack on United States Insulin Market

Novo Nordisk stepped up its attack on the United States insulin market, dominated by Eli Lilly, by forming another alliance with Schering-Plough Corp. in 1998.

First CGM system approved

The FDA approved the first continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device for reading blood glucose levels, providing hope for people with diabetes seeking better control over their health.

Introduction of Novozymes A/S

Novo's enzyme expertise led to the introduction of its first detergent enzyme made by fermentation, and eventually, Novozymes A/S was established as a separate entity in 2000.

Dispute over Patent Rights in South Africa

In 2001, Novo Nordisk became involved in a dispute over patent rights in South Africa, which led to the company defining a long-term strategy to support access to care in the world’s poorest countries.

Establishment of the World Diabetes Foundation

In 2002, Novo Nordisk established the World Diabetes Foundation as part of its long-term strategy to support access to care in the world’s poorest countries.

Establishment of the World Haemophilia Foundation

In 2005, Novo Nordisk established the World Haemophilia Foundation as part of its long-term strategy to support access to care in the world’s poorest countries.

Novo Nordisk agreement with WWF

In 2006, Novo Nordisk signed an agreement with the World Wide Fund (WWF) to reduce its carbon emissions by 10% by 2014 compared with 2004, joining the WWF Climate Savers initiative.

Introduction of liraglutide GLP-1 by Novo Nordisk R&D

In 2008, Novo Nordisk R&D introduced liraglutide GLP-1, a type 2 diabetes treatment option that reduces blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion and reducing appetite and food intake.

Changing Diabetes® in Children

In 2009, Novo Nordisk initiated Changing Diabetes® in Children to provide access to care and life-saving medicine for children with type 1 diabetes in low- and middle-income countries.

Breaching the Code of Conduct for ABPI

In 2010, Novo Nordisk breached the code of conduct for the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) by failing to provide information about side-effects of Victoza and by promoting Victoza prior to being granted market authorization.

The Novo Nordisk Way of Management

In 2011, the Novo Nordisk Way of Management was established, setting out the vision and policies that apply to all aspects of the company.

Financial growth and target achievement

For the fourth quarter of 2012, Novo Nordisk announced a sales growth of 18%, attributed largely by type 1 and type 2 diabetes drugs Victoza, NovoRapid and Levemir. The company also reached its four long-term financial targets in 2012.

Agreement to Pay $58.7 Million to End DOJ Probe

In September 2017, Novo Nordisk agreed to pay $58.7 million to end a United States Department of Justice probe into the lack of FDA disclosure to doctors about the cancer risk for their diabetic drug, Victoza.

First Oral GLP-1 Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

The first oral GLP-1 treatment for type 2 diabetes was introduced in 2019. It is a major breakthrough that expands treatment options and reduces barriers, eliminating the need for injections with GLP-1, providing relief for many people living with type 2 diabetes.

Defeat Diabetes Social Responsibility Strategy Launch

In 2020, Novo Nordisk launched the Defeat Diabetes social responsibility strategy to focus on improving prevention, expanding access to care, and driving innovation to improve lives.

Commitment to Disease Prevention

The company expressed its commitment to preventing and ultimately curing serious chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and obesity, emphasizing its dedication to addressing important health issues.

A diabetes doctor’s dream

This is Episode 1 of the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s 2022 Advent Calendar “The Story of GLP-1”. It likely discusses the aspirations of a diabetes doctor and may provide insights into advancements in diabetes treatment.

CEO of Novo Nordisk cutting supply in the U.S.

The CEO of Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, is reducing the supply of these medications in the United States.

The annual report for the year 2024, providing an overview of Novo Nordisk's performance and financial results.

End of the Timeline
Novo Nordisk

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