Novo Nordisk and Karolinska Institutet announce diabetes partnership

Novo Nordisk has announced a new collaboration with the Karolinska Institutet that aims to support the work of young scientists in the field of diabetes.

The international fellowship programme will see a total of 12 postdoctoral researchers receive three-year grants to support studies primarily within the field of diabetes and metabolism. Novo Nordisk will provide complete funding for the research.

Although the bulk of the research is to be carried out at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, there will also be an opportunity for some studies to be performed at Novo Nordisk's research and development division in Denmark.

A joint steering committee with members from both organisations will oversee the programme and be responsible for recruiting researchers.The first four fellows will start in autumn this year.

Professor Anders Hamsten, vice-chancellor at the Karolinska Institutet, said: "Novo Nordisk is the world leader in diabetes, and this initiative is of strategic importance both to them and to us. The agreement creates a unique opportunity for recruiting young diabetes researchers to Karolinska Institutet."

Novo Nordisk reported its financial results for 2014 earlier this month, highlighting improved sales and profitability performances. Strong sales of its modern and new-generation insulin products were a key driver of this growth.