Novo Nordisk announces “encouraging” first-half performance

Novo Nordisk’s performance in the first half of 2009 was “encouraging”, its president and chief executive has noted.

Lars Rebien Sorensen made his comments as the firm issued its interim financial report for the period from January 1st to June 30th 2009.

The company posted increased operating profit of 39 per cent in the six-month period, as well as a rise in sales of 17 per cent in Danish kroner and 11 per cent in local currencies.

Mr Sorensen said: “The performance in the first half of 2009 is encouraging and we raise our guidance for underlying operating profit growth.”

He added that Novo Nordisk is “very pleased” that Victoza (liraglutide) is now available in the UK, Denmark and Germany, noting that the firm is keen to make the therapy available to more patients with type 2 diabetes in the future.

The firm announced that the European commission has granted approval for the marketing of Victoza in all 27 EU member states earlier this month.