BAGSVAERD, Denmark, April 28, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Novo Nordisk increased sales by 23% in the first quarter of 2006
-- Sales increased by 23%, positively impacted by the development
in foreign currencies (sales growth in local currencies of 18%)
- Sales of insulin analogues increased by 60%
- Sales of NovoSeven(r) increased by 16%
- Sales in North America increased by 32%
- Sales in International Operations increased by 56%
-- Operating profit increased by 24% to DKK 1,880 million.
Adjusted for the impact from currencies, underlying operating
profit increased by around 12%.
-- Net profit decreased by 2% to DKK 1,211 million. Adjusted for
non-recurring gains in the first quarter of 2005, net profit
increased by more than 15%. Earnings per share (diluted)
increased by 1% to DKK 3.72.
-- Novo Nordisk expects to report Danish kroner sales growth in
2006 of 11-13%, while operating profit is still expected to grow
by slightly more than 10%.
-- The phase 3 programme for liraglutide, the once-daily human
GLP-1 analogue, including around 3,800 type 2 diabetes patients
was initiated in February 2006.
Lars Rebien Soerensen, president and CEO, said: "Novo Nordisk had a strong first quarter of 2006 with continuing sales growth globally. We expect 11-13% sales growth for the full year supported by the recent launch of Levemir(r) in the U.S., where Novo Nordisk is now the only company with a full portfolio of insulin analogues."
Stock Exchange Announcement no 17 / 2006
The financial tables for this press release are available here: http://hugin.info/2013/R/1047849/172461.pdf
Further information on Novo Nordisk is available on the company's internet homepage at the address: http://www.novonordisk.com