3 Questions to our new member: Mads Stoustrup – General Manager, Novo Nordisk Switzerland

Interpharma is the association of research-based pharmaceutical companies in Switzerland. What motivated Novo Nordisk to join the association?

Innovative medicine is our key contribution to Society. Accordingly, we also see ourselves as part of the research-based pharmaceutical industry in Switzerland. Joining Interpharma was the logical step in the strategic orientation of our company. Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat diabetes and other serious chronic diseases such as obesity and rare blood and endocrine disorders. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease.

What is the importance of collaboration and cooperation within the industry for Novo Nordisk in Switzerland?

We collaborate with patients and partners to transform bold ideas into life-saving and preventive medicines. We make long-term investments in novel treatments and technologies, including stem cell-based therapies, and continually advance the development of medical devices and digital health solutions. In 2019, Novo Nordisk invested 11.7% of its sales in R&D, and had more than 70 research partnerships worldwide.

Our location in Switzerland is part of this global Novo Nordisk network.

From the very beginning, both Nordisk and Novo have focused on developing products that help people with diabetes. What is the importance of the diabetes business area for the merged company Novo Nordisk today?

For over 95 years, we have been changing diabetes by researching, developing and manufacturing ever better biopharmaceutical drugs. We make them available to people with diabetes worldwide. But we also know that it takes more than drugs: more education, earlier diagnosis and access to good care. More people with diabetes should be able to lead a life with as few restrictions as possible. In cooperation with many partners, we are driving these changes forward – in the firm belief that together we can defeat diabetes. We are the supplier of nearly half of the world’s insulin.