Novo Nordisk strengthens drug research

Novo Nordisk has reorganised its drug research organisation in order to 'boost innovation and build a broader presence within biopharmaceuticals'. The primary feature of the move is the formation of two new research units: one devoted to diabetes and one to biopharmaceuticals.

The biopharmaceuticals unit is charged with expanding the company's presence within management of critical bleedings, including NovoSeven (recombinant coagulation factor VIIa) and a number of other haemostasis projects. It will also be used to exploit the full potential of Novo's early-stage biopharmaceuticals projects and to identify new drug targets and projects. It will be led by Dr Terje Kalland, who will hold the position of senior vice-president of the unit. He has a strong international track record within oncology and inflammation and joins Novo from Swedish biotech company Biovitrum, where he had been chief scientific officer since 2002.

The diabetes research unit, which will encompass Novo's global research portfolio within diabetes drugs and delivery systems, will be headed by Dr Peter Kurtzhals.

In addition a new unit, preclinical and CMC (chemistry manufacturing control) supply, has been established to support a flexible transfer of projects from research to development to manufacturing. This unit will be led by Jesper Boving, who is currently head of Novo's global diabetes bulk production.

Novo Nordisk has already made moves to strengthen its research in biopharmaceuticals this year, having announced in May plans to establish a first-of-its-kind haemostasis research centre in North Brunswick, New Jersey, US. Scheduled to open later this year, the 30,000 square foot facility represents a major expansion of the company's research in haemostasis.