Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Bagsværd, Denmark, Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) is a global healthcare company specializing in the development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of diabetes, obesity and rare bleeding disorders. The company’s core portfolio centers on insulin analogs and delivery systems, including flagship products such as NovoRapid (insulin aspart) and insulin pens, as well as a growing range of GLP-1 receptor agonists—branded as Victoza, Ozempic and Wegovy—that support both glycemic control and weight management. In addition to diabetes care, Novo Nordisk’s pipeline and marketed offerings span growth hormone therapy and treatments for hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders.
The roots of Novo Nordisk trace back to the establishment of the Nordisk Insulinlaboratorium by August Krogh, Marie Krogh and Hans Christian Hagedorn in 1923. In 1989, a merger between Novo Industri A/S and Nordisk Gentofte A/S created the modern-day Novo Nordisk, combining decades of expertise in insulin production with an expanded research capability. Over the years, the company has invested heavily in biotechnological innovation, pioneering long-acting insulin formulations and novel peptide therapies that have reshaped standards of care for chronic metabolic conditions.
Today, Novo Nordisk operates in more than 80 countries with products marketed in approximately 168 markets worldwide. The company maintains R&D sites in Denmark, the United States and China, alongside manufacturing facilities in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific to serve both mature and emerging markets. Its global distribution network supports partnerships with healthcare providers, wholesalers and specialty pharmacies, ensuring patient access to therapies across diverse healthcare systems.
Under the leadership of President and Chief Executive Officer Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, who assumed the role in January 2017, Novo Nordisk has pursued a strategy of sustainable growth and innovation. The company emphasizes environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in its operations, with initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, improving patient affordability and advancing diversity and inclusion. Through continued investment in research, strategic collaborations and digital health solutions, Novo Nordisk seeks to extend its impact on public health while maintaining a strong commitment to corporate responsibility.
