Novo Nordisk’s operating profit increased by 12% in Danish kroner and by 6% at constant exchange rates (CER) in the first six months of 2019 with reported sales within Diabetes and obesity increased by 10% to DKK 50.1 billion (6% at CER), driven by Diabetes growing 4% at CER and Obesity growing 56% at CER. Sales within Biopharmaceuticals increased by 7% to DKK 9.3 billion (3% at CER).
In the period, Executive Vice President (EVP) of Business Services & Compliance Lars Green has decided to resign to take up an executive position outside of Novo Nordisk. Monique Carter has been promoted to EVP of People & Organisation and member of Novo Nordisk’s Executive Management.
For the 2019 outlook, sales growth is now expected to be 4-6% at CER (previously 2-5% at CER), and operating profit growth is now expected to be 4-6% at CER (previously 2-6% at CER).
Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, president and CEO said: “We are pleased with the sales growth in the first half of 2019, which is driven by all regions in International Operations. The launch of Ozempic® is expanding the GLP-1 market, and we are encouraged by the positive market reception in both North America and Europe. With the initiation of four major late-stage clinical trials, we continue to investigate the clinical benefits of semaglutide across multiple indications. The solid financial performance in the first half of 2019 has enabled us to raise our outlook for the full-year”.