Founded in 1923 in Denmark, where insulin production began in Scandinavia after August and Marie Krogh brought the extraction and purification technique from Canada, Novo Nordisk has developed into one of the world’s leading healthcare companies focused on diabetes, obesity, and other serious chronic diseases. Headquartered in Bagsværd, Denmark, the company builds on more than a century of scientific leadership in insulin and related therapies, while its present corporate structure was formed in 1989 through the merger of Novo Industri A/S and Nordisk Gentofte A/S.
Novo Nordisk employs more than 69,000 employees worldwide, has operations in 80 countries, and markets its products in around 170 countries. In 2025, the company reported sales of DKK 309.1 billion, reflecting the scale of a business that continues to strengthen its global position in diabetes, obesity, and other serious chronic diseases through sustained research, manufacturing investment, and long-term innovation.
Updated 2026-03-19