Novo Financially Commits $220 Million Toward New Plant in Denmark

In an effort to tackle raw material demand for medications that address chronic diseases, Novo Nordisk’s Pharmatech division has decided to construct a new factory in Køge, Denmark, which is expected to be production-ready by 2027.¹ The project dates back to March 2023 when Novo Nordisk Pharmatech announced the purchase of nearly the 506,000 square-foot Køge site, with the purpose of growing current production efforts at Københavnsvej 216 in Køge.

Fast forward nearly a year and half, the company is financially committing $220 million toward an 86,000 square-foot plant that offers storage, office, laboratory, and production, all on-site, resulting in the creation of 50 new jobs.

“This is the largest investment in Novo Nordisk Pharmatech’s 75-year history. We are in a period of growth,” said Ulla Grove Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of Novo Nordisk Pharmatech A/S. “In accordance with our growth strategy, we are expanding our production to ensure an even more robust and reliable delivery of our products. The location in Køge is ideal, as we can draw on the extensive know-how we have at our current factory – and furthermore, the infrastructure is optimal, with Køge Nord station so close to our new site.”

On this particular project, Novo Nordisk Pharmatech’s priorities lie in providing capacity and sustainability. The company will be reusing various production elements by regenerating raw materials, an effort expected to reduce its CO² footprint by approximately 60%. The park lot will have solar panels, while the building itself will also be built with sustainable materials.

“In the building design, we have placed great emphasis on it blending into the natural area by Ådalen, and have, among other things, decided to construct the office building using wood. This results in CO2 savings and is more sustainable,” commented Andreas Kyhn Brejnholt, Novo Nordisk Pharmatech’s project director.

Earlier this year, Novo purchased Cardior Pharmaceuticals—who works in the therapy discovery and development space, specifically pertaining to those that target RNA and heart health (prevent, repair and reversing diseases)—for up to $1.13 billion, which including an upfront payment along with additional payments if specific development and commercial milestones are reached.²

“By welcoming Cardior as a part of Novo Nordisk, we will strengthen our pipeline of projects in cardiovascular disease where we already have ongoing programs across all phases of clinical development,” noted Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president for development at Novo Nordisk. “We have been impressed by the scientific work carried out by the Cardior team, especially on CDR132L, which has a distinctive mode of action and potential to become a first-in-class therapy designed to halt or partially reverse the course of disease for people living with heart failure.”

References

1. Novo Nordisk Pharmatech is investing 1.5 billion Danish kroner in a new factory in Køge. Novo Nordisk Pharmatech A/S. August 16, 2024. Accessed August 19, 2024. https://novonordiskpharmatech.com/novo-nordisk-pharmatech-is-investing-1-5-billion-danish-kroner-in-a-new-factory-in-koge/

2. Novo Nordisk to acquire Cardior Pharmaceuticals and strengthen pipeline in cardiovascular disease. Novo Nordisk Pharmatech A/S. March 25, 2024. Accessed August 19, 2024. https://novonordiskpharmatech.com/novo-nordisk-pharmatech-is-investing-1-5-billion-danish-kroner-in-a-new-factory-in-koge/