Sales in the first nine months of 2001 increased by 16% to DKK 17,316 million compared to the same period in 2000. The sales increase was 17% measured in local currencies.
Diabetes care sales were up 15% to DKK 12,148 million.
Sales within coagulation disorders were up 42% to DKK 2,253 million.
Human growth hormone sales were up 3% to DKK 1,538 million.
Hormone replacement therapy sales were up 12% to DKK 1,042 million.
Operating profit increased by 19% to DKK 4,130 million.
Profit before tax increased by 30% to DKK 4,464 million, and net profit increased by 34% to DKK 2,857 million. Earnings per share increased by 35% to DKK 8.21.
Lars Rebien Sørensen, president and CEO, said: "We are pleased that sales in the first nine months of the year grew to an extent which has enabled us to invest significantly in sales and marketing capabilities, production skills as well as promising development projects, while maintaining the underlying operating performance of the company."
Novo Nordisk still expects to meet its long-term financial target of 15% growth in operating profit in 2001 assuming that the currency exchange rates remain at the current level for the rest of the year. Pre-tax profit and net profit are expected to grow by more than 20% reflecting the expected positive contribution of DKK 375 million from net financials.