Novo Nordisk to layoff 1,000 employees globally

Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharma company with more than 90 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care, has decided to reduce its workforce by approximately 1,000 globally from the current strengthen of 42,300 employees. 

The reductions are expected to affect R&D units and headquarter staff functions, as well as positions in the global commercial organisation. Around 500 of the layoffs are expected to be in Denmark.

This is one of several actions taken to reduce operating costs as the company faces a challenging competitive environment in 2017, especially in its large US market. 

The workforce reduction and the costs associated herewith do not change the financial outlook for 2016 communicated in connection with Novo Nordisk's half-year financial statement on 5 August 2016.

"We deeply regret that good colleagues stand to lose their jobs, and it has been a difficult decision to make. However, we have concluded that it is needed in order for us to have a sustainable balance between income and costs. In the current situation, we have to prioritise investments in key product launches that will bring innovation to patients and drive our future growth,” said Lars Rebien Sorensen, president and CEO, Novo Nordisk.