In focus: Novo Nordisk

Unhealthy food options and sedentary lifestyles have contributed to an increase in rates of diabetes and obesity. In our view Novo Nordisk, a holding in the Positive Impact strategy, is helping to fight and mitigate the impact of these diseases on patients’ lives.

Combating diabetes and other chronic diseases

Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 based therapies have been shown to be highly efficacious for the treatment of type 2 diabetes as well as offering other benefits, such as weight loss. Furthermore, Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic requires only a weekly injection, heralding a significant shift in the treatment of diabetes.

As a leading producer of insulin, Novo Nordisk has long been recognised for its expertise in diabetes. It is also a pioneer within obesity treatment and has ambitions to help patients suffering from cardiovascular and rare diseases over the coming decade.

More than three-quarters of diabetes sufferers worldwide reside in low-and middle-income countries and often have no available avenue open to them to reach these life-changing therapies. In response to this, Novo Nordisk has established a number of initiatives to ensure that underprivileged and vulnerable patients can procure its diabetes medications. In 2023, the company reached 5 million people globally via its access and affordability programmes.

For example, in South Africa, the company has entered into a production partnership with Aspen Pharmaceuticals to increase the supply of affordable insulin to the African continent. As part of Novo Nordisk’s Access to Insulin Commitment initiative, this insulin will be distributed at low cost. Indeed, this programme ensures that the cost of each vial of insulin produced in 77 low and middle-income countries is capped at $3.  

Targeting other health benefits

We continue to learn about the health benefits of Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 treatments, outside of obesity and diabetes. The company’s SELECT trial demonstrated that its GLP-1 molecule semaglutide significantly reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events by 20% in overweight or obese patients without diabetes. Furthermore, its FLOW trial demonstrated that semaglutide led to a 24% reduction in kidney disease progression and cardiovascular and kidney death in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Elsewhere, in the cardiovascular space, the company has acquired ocedurenone, a medication for uncontrolled hypertension. The company is also growing its offering in rare blood disorders. We are enthusiastic about the additional health benefits that patients may experience from Novo Nordisk’s treatments.

The information provided should not be considered a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security.
 

Source: Novo Nordisk, ‘Annual Report 2023’, ‘Semaglutide 2.4 mg reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by 20% in adults with overweight or obesity in the SELECT trial’, ‘Semaglutide 1.0 mg demonstrates 24% reduction in the risk of kidney disease-related events in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease in the FLOW trial’, (novonordisk.com). Diabetes UK, ‘Ozempic’, (diabetes.org.uk). PubMed, ‘A Multiethnic study of pre-diabetes and diabetes in LMIC’, (pubmed.ncbi.nih.gov).

Impact area: Better health, saving lives
Primary SDG: SDG 3: Good health and well-being