Novo Nordisk A/S - Share repurchase programme On 15 August 2008 Novo Nordisk initiated its share repurchase programme in accordance with the provisions of the European Commission's regulation no 2273/2003 of 22 December 2003, also referred to as the Safe Harbour rules. Under the programme Novo Nordisk will repurchase B shares for an amount of up to DKK 1.7 billion in the period from 15 August 2008 to 19 December 2008. Since the announcement as of 8 December 2008, the following transactions have been made under the programme: Number of Average Transaction shares purchase price value, DKK Accumulated, last announcement 4,809,000 1,370,566,404 8 December 2008 80,000 302.8000 24,224,000 9 December 2008 90,000 302.2900 27,206,100 10 December 2008 155,000 292.1600 45,284,800 11 December 2008 170,000 283.8100 48,247,700 12 December 2008 95,000 279.6600 26,567,700 Accumulated under the programme 5,399,000 1,542,096,704 Transactions related to Novo Nordisk's incentive programmes have resulted in a net sale by Novo Nordisk of 1,208,190 B-shares in the period from 8 December 2008 to 12 December 2008. The shares in these transactions were not part of the Safe Harbour repurchase programme. With the transactions stated above, Novo Nordisk owns a total of 25,157,595 treasury shares, corresponding to 4.0% of the share capital. The total amount of shares in the company is 634,000,000 including treasury shares. Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company and a world leader in diabetes care. In addition, Novo Nordisk has a leading position within areas such as haemostasis management, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. Novo Nordisk manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and services that make a significant difference to patients, the medical profession and society. With headquarters in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 26,550 employees in 80 countries, and markets its products in 179 countries. Novo Nordisk's B shares are listed on the stock exchanges in Copenhagen and London. Its ADRs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'NVO'. For more information, visit novonordisk.com. Further information: Media: Investors: Elin K Hansen Mads Veggerby Lausten Tel: (+45) 4442 3450 Tel: (+45) 4443 7919 ekh@novonordisk.com mlau@novonordisk.com Hans Rommer In North America: Tel: (+45) 4442 4765 Sean Clements hrmm@novonordisk.com Tel: (+1) 609 514 8316 secl@novonordisk.com Kasper Roseeuw Poulsen Tel: (+45) 4442 4471 krop@novonordisk.com Company Announcement no 81 / 2008