UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 6-K
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REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
December 5, 2006
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NOVO NORDISK A/S
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
NOVO ALLE
DK-2880, BAGSVAERD
DENMARK
(Address of principal executive offices)
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F
Form 20-F [X] Form 40-F [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes [ ] No [X]
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in
connection with Rule 12g-32(b):82-_____________________
MISCELLANEOUS
NOVO NORDISK ANNOUNCES MAJOR EXPANSION OF ITS DIABETES CARE FIELD
FORCE IN THE US
Novo Nordisk today announced plans to expand its diabetes care field force in
the US, from around 1,200 to approximately 1,900 people. The expansion, which
will take place during the first half of 2007, is designed to further strengthen
Novo Nordisk's position in the US insulin market and to increase the company's
'share of voice' in the competitive market for diabetes products.
The US insulin market is a key growth market for Novo Nordisk and with its more
than 40% share of this market (measured in volume) Novo Nordisk is today the
clear market leader.
The field force expansion will support Novo Nordisk's complete portfolio of
modern insulins (insulin analogues): Levemir(R), a long-acting insulin,
NovoLog(R) Mix 70/30 (NovoMix(R) 30 outside the US), a premixed formulation of
rapid-acting and intermediate-acting insulin, and NovoLog(R) (NovoRapid(R)
outside the US), a rapid-acting insulin. The expanded field force will make it
possible to reach more primary care physicians and increase the frequency of
visits to both primary care physicians and endocrinologists.
Martin Soeters, president of Novo Nordisk Inc, said: "So many people with
diabetes are still not in acceptable glycaemic control. That is why we are very
pleased to announce the significant field force expansion in the US market which
will support our complete portfolio of insulin analogues as well as our leading
insulin injection device, FlexPen(R). The expansion will prepare our
organisation for future launches of additional innovative diabetes products that
we currently have in clinical development."
The expansion does not change the financial outlook for 2006 or the preliminary
guidance for 2007 which was provided in Novo Nordisk's financial statement for
the first nine months of 2006 on 27 October, based on the currency exchange
rates prevailing at the end of October 2006
Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company and a world leader in diabetes care. The
company has the broadest diabetes product portfolio in the industry, including
the most advanced products within the area of insulin delivery systems. In
addition, Novo Nordisk has a leading position within areas such as haemostasis
management, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. Novo Nordisk
manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and services that make a
significant difference to patients, the medical profession and society. With
headquarters in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs more than 23,000 employees in 79
countries, and markets its products in 179 countries. Novo Nordisk's B shares
are listed on the stock exchanges in Copenhagen and London. Its ADRs are listed
on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'NVO'. For more information,
visit novonordisk.com.
CONTACTS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Media: Investors:
Outside North America: Outside North America:
Mike Rulis Mogens Thorsager Jensen
Tel: (+45) 4442 3573 Tel: (+45) 4442 7945
E-mail: mike@novonordisk.com E-mail: mtj@novonordisk.com
Christian Qvist Frandsen
Tel: (+45) 4443 5182
E-mail: cqfr@novonordisk.com
Hans Rommer
Tel: (+45) 4442 4765
E-mail: hrmm@novonordisk.com
In North America: In North America:
Susan T Jackson Mads Veggerby Lausten
Tel: (+1) 609 919 7776 Tel: (+1) 609 919 7937
E-mail: stj@novonordisk.com E-mail: mlau@novonordisk.com
Stock Exchange Announcement no 36 / 2006
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf of the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: December 5, 2006 NOVO NORDISK A/S
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Lars Rebien Sorensen,
President and Chief Executive Officer