Thursday, June 2, 2011

Novo Nordisk Takes the Lead

Denmark's Novo Nordisk has a 51% share of the insulin market.It is their core business.In diabetes,the patient lacks enough insulin,or insulin of sufficient quality,to ensure that sugar reaches the cells rather than destructively remaining in the bloodstream.Diabetes is growing at an alarming rate,observed Lars Soerenson,Novo's CEO,which sets Novo apart from the rest of the pharmaceutical industry.
Novo's Victoza,which is delivered by a pen-like device,has insulin market leadership.It has been rolled out globally.The main treatment is a hormone.It's a balance between very powerful drugs and too low of an insulin level.Designer insulins reduce this problem.And the side effect profile is much better with designer insulins.
With poor treatment,Mr.Soerenson indicates,diabetes causes amputations,blindness and kidney disease,among other complications.Not treating it is very costly to society.Victoza costs 5-10 dollars per treatment.
The market is on the third generation of insulins.Novo Nordisk is in the lead now with the first new generation of designer insulins,Mr.Soerenson feels.
Novo Nordisk(NVO)

No comments: