BAGSVAERD, Denmark, Oct. 4, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- In continuation of the company's announcements dated 30 April 2004 and 28 April 2005 concerning a planned share repurchase programme, and pursuant to Section 204.33 of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual, this is to report that Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) and its wholly-owned affiliates on 30 September 2005 owned 30,970,354 of its own B shares of DKK 2, corresponding to a total nominal value of DKK 61,940,708 or 8.73% of the total share capital. In the third quarter of 2005 a total of 3,174,000 B shares were repurchased by Novo Nordisk A/S, and 141,053 B shares were disposed of to employees who exercised options granted by Novo Nordisk.
Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company and a world leader in diabetes care. The company has the broadest diabetes product portfolio in the industry, including the most advanced products within the area of insulin delivery systems. In addition, Novo Nordisk has a leading position within areas such as haemostasis management, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. Novo Nordisk manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and services that make a significant difference to patients, the medical profession and society. With headquarters in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 21,200 full-time employees in 78 countries, and markets its products in 179 countries. Novo Nordisk's B shares are listed on the stock exchanges in Copenhagen and London. Its ADRs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'NVO'. For more information, visit novonordisk.com. For further information please contact: