The Denmark-based Novo Nordisk, a USD 5.6 billion healthcare company and world leader in diabetes care with operations in 79 countries is planning to set up a new global patent unit in India. The unit will be a part of Novo Nordisk's global patent organisation, which has an innovative approach and ambitious growth plans. The global patent unit in India is likely to be set up at Bangalore.

Novo Nordisk is currently in the process of recruiting the head of India Patent Unit who will be based in Bangalore. The new patent department that will be established in the India Patent Unit will implement the company's patent strategy and involve in the future development and utilization of Novo Nordisk's patents.

The Patent Unit will be responsible for providing support to various innovation processes abroad including novelty searches, patentability assessments and global prosecution of patent applications related to pharmaceuticals and medical devices. In addition, it will be responsible for providing patent-related local support to future R & D activities in the region.

Novo Nordisk markets its products in the areas of diabetes, growth hormone therapy, haemostasis management and hormone replacement therapy in about 180 countries. The company has a wide diabetes product portfolio in the industry, including the advanced products within the area of insulin delivery systems. Novo Nordisk has strengthened its global leadership position in the insulin market with a total market share of 51 per cent and an insulin analogue market share of 34 per cent, in volume. The company has also started conducting research in the areas of cancer and inflammation.

Over the years, the company has developed its competence in three main areas such as research into diabetes, therapeutic proteins and the delivery of these.