Novo Nordisk has plans to expand its diabetes care field force in the US, from around 1,200 to approximately 1,900 people. The expansion, which will take place during the first half of 2007, is designed to further strengthen Novo Nordisk's position in the US insulin market and to increase the company's 'share of voice' in the competitive market for diabetes products.

The US insulin market is a key growth market for Novo Nordisk and with its more than 40 per cent share of this market.

The field force expansion will support Novo Nordisk's complete portfolio of modern insulins (insulin analogues): Levemir, a long-acting insulin, mix 70/30 (NovoMix 30 outside the US), a premixed formulation of rapid-acting and intermediate-acting insulin, and NovoLog (NovoRapid outside the US), a rapid-acting insulin.

The expanded field force will make it possible to reach more primary care physicians and increase the frequency of visits to both primary care physicians and endocrinologists.

Martin Soeters, president of Novo Nordisk Inc, said: "So many people with diabetes are still not in acceptable glycaemia control. That is why we are very pleased to announce the significant field force expansion in the US market which will support our complete portfolio of insulin analogues as well as our leading insulin injection device, FlexPen. The expansion will prepare our organisation for future launches of additional innovative diabetes products that we currently have in clinical development."

The expansion does not change the financial outlook for 2006 or the preliminary guidance for 2007, which was provided in Novo Nordisk's financial statement for the first nine months of 2006 on 27 October, based on the currency exchange rates prevailing at the end of October 2006.

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.