Novo Nordisk sees double-digit growth in first half of 2013

Novo Nordisk has reported its financial results for the first half of 2013, during which it experienced strong double-digit growth.

The company's net sales for the six-month period came to 41.4 billion Danish kroner (4.78 billion pounds), up by 14 percent year on year in local currency terms, while its operating profits rose by 19 percent to 16.1 billion.

Strong sales of key products Victoza, NovoRapid and Levemir helped to drive this improvement, while the recent launch of Tresiba and the completion of a phase IIIa trial programme for liraglutide were also noted as highlights.

For 2013, operating performance expectations have been raised, with sales growth measured in local currencies now expected to be between 11 and 13 percent.

Lars Rebien Sorensen, president and chief executive officer of Novo Nordisk, said: "We are pleased with the strong results in the first six months of 2013. Our portfolio of modern insulins and Victoza are driving solid sales growth."

The company is looking to build on the 18 percent year-on-year growth it achieved during 2012.