Novo Nordisk ranks 4th among the world's top 20 science employers

BAGSVAERD, Denmark, Sept. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo Nordisk today was ranked number 4 on the Science 2012 Top Employer list - up from ninth place last year. The company's 'social responsibility', 'respect for employees' and ability to inspire 'loyalty among its employees' were cited as key drivers of this impressive global ranking.

"We're proud to have jumped to the top five in this widely-recognised ranking of the world's best science employers. Our excellent researchers around the world are the main source of this company's strong innovation. The fact that they feel respected and take pride in working for a company that operates in a sustainable way is great to see. In the battle to recruit the best researchers, there's nothing more powerful than peer-to-peer communication," says Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, chief science officer and executive vice president at Novo Nordisk.

R&D professionals at Novo Nordisk comprise world-class experts in the engineering, expression, formulation and delivery of therapeutic proteins, as well as in the development of compounds into safe, effective and convenient treatment options for people living with chronic conditions like diabetes, haemophilia and rheumatoid arthritis. More than 4,000 employees work in Novo Nordisk R&D in Denmark, US, China and India.

"This positive evaluation of Novo Nordisk resonates well with my own personal experience as a diabetes researcher in the company for the past 21 years. Our collaborative work in multidisciplinary teams both within and outside of the company, and our openness to explore new ideas inspire me. It gives me the confidence that I'm part of a highly-qualified team working every day to find better treatment solutions for people with diabetes," says Erica Nishimura, scientific director of Diabetes Biology at Novo Nordisk.

In the Science 2012 survey, 4,276 employees working in the biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical and related industries were asked to rank the 20 best employers based on 23 characteristics, including research-driven environment and financial strength.

About the Science 2012 Top Employer survey( http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/TopEmployers2012 )

About Novo Nordisk R&D( http://www.novonordisk.com/science/default.asp ):

Video with CSO Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen on R&D Talent on Novo Nordisk( http://video.novonordisk.com/video/4085043/talent-in-novo-nordisk )

Videos from Novo Nordisk R&D "Working towards the next breakthrough - Meet the people behind our treatment pipeline":( http://novonordisk.com/science/future-treatments/default.asp )

Broadcast standard video and photos supporting this press release: Visit our Broadcast room and Photos on novonordisk.com - Media

Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with 89 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. The company also has leading positions within haemophilia care, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. For more information, visit novonordisk.com.

Further information:

Media Relations Manager

Mette Kruse Danielsen

Tel: (+45) 30 79 38 83

mkd@novonordisk.com

In North America:

Director, Media Relations, Communications and Public Affairs

Ken Inchausti

Tel: (+1) 609 514 8316

kiau@novonordisk.com

SOURCE　Novo Nordisk