Novo Nordisk reports double-digit growth in first quarter of 2015

Novo Nordisk has highlighted the key milestones it has achieved during a successful opening quarter to the 2015 fiscal year.

The company's sales total for the year came to 25.2 billion Danish kroner (2.45 billion pounds), up by 24 percent on last year – or nine percent in local currency terms – while its operating profit increased by 73 percent to 13.9 billion kroner.

During the quarter, the firm achieved double-digit sales increases for Victoza and Levemir, with performance improving across all key regions. For 2015, sales growth measured in local currencies is now expected to be between seven and nine percent.

Interim analysis data from the DEVOTE cardiovascular outcomes trial for Tresiba was submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration in March, another important milestone.

Additionally, the company announced that its president and chief operating officer Kare Schultz will be leaving Novo Nordisk as part of an executive team reorganisation.

Lars Rebien Sorensen, chief executive officer of Novo Nordisk, said: "Kare Schultz has during his 26 years with us played a key role in making Novo Nordisk a successful global company. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours."