Novo Nordisk increased sales by 14% in the first half of 2005
Expectation for operating profit growth increased to around 10% for 2005
- In local currencies sales in the first half of 2005 increased by 15%
o Sales of insulin analogues increased by 67%
o Sales of NovoSeven® increased by 14%
o Sales in North America increased by 28%
- Operating profit increased by 14% to DKK 3,853 million. Adjusted for the impact from currencies and changes in the level of non-recurring income, underlying operating profit increased by more than 15%.
- Net profit increased by 25% to DKK 2,916 million and earnings per share (diluted) increased by 28% to DKK 8.78.
- The expectation for operating profit growth is increased from around 5% to around 10% for the full year of 2005.
- The continued consultations with the European regulatory authorities (EMEA) have led Novo Nordisk to withdraw the phase 2-based registration file for NovoSeven® in trauma. It is expected that results from a confirmatory clinical study will enable a subsequent, updated European filing.
- Positive opinion has been received from EMEA on NovoMix® 50 and NovoMix® 70 filings in Europe. NovoLog® Mix 50/50 and NovoLog® Mix 30/70 have been filed for approval in the US.
- Lars Rebien Sørensen, president & CEO, said: "We are encouraged by the continued market success of our strategic products, in particular the full range of insulin analogues and NovoSeven®. Moreover, the performance in our North American business has increased our confidence in the future growth potential for Novo Nordisk in the world's largest pharmaceutical market."
Stock Exchange Announcement No 20 / 2005
