PRINCETON, N.J., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Novo Nordisk, a leader in breakthrough hemostasis research and treatment, was joined today by New Jersey government officials to inaugurate Novo Nordisk Research US, the first hemostasis research facility in the United States dedicated to life- threatening bleeding. The company celebrated the opening of the facility as well as its Danish heritage during a ceremony that included Denmark’s Ambassador to the United States, Friis Arne Petersen.
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Researchers at the facility will investigate new therapies to prevent or stop critical bleeding, including exploration of treatments for intracerebral hemorrhage, trauma, stroke and other bleeding disorders.
“Novo Nordisk is committed to discovering therapies to stop life- threatening bleeding, a major clinical problem,” said Dr. Marcus Carr, head of Novo Nordisk Research US. “Our goal is to be a world leader in hemostasis care and the development partner of choice for academic and biotechnology researchers interested in breakthrough science.”
Scientists at Novo Nordisk Research US will be collaborating with academic institutions and industries in the area to further advance medical innovation.
“There are a number of research organizations in the United States that are recognized for their excellence. They are an important reason for choosing to expand our presence here,” said Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, chief science officer, Novo Nordisk global headquarters, Copenhagen, Denmark. He also noted the new center, which represents a major expansion of Novo Nordisk’s research in the area of hemostasis, is part of the ongoing internationalization of the company’s R&D.
“Since it was founded in Denmark over 80 years ago, Novo Nordisk has played a key role in enhancing transatlantic dialogue and cooperation around the world by opening the door to exciting business opportunities for Danish companies and beyond,” said Denmark’s Ambassador to the United States, Friis Arne Petersen. “Novo Nordisk Research US is yet another testament to the mutual benefits these collaborations with Danish companies allow.”
“Novo Nordisk is dedicated to fulfilling unmet medical needs,” said Martin Soeters, president of Novo Nordisk USA. “Having attracted world leading scientists to this state-of-the-art facility, we are poised to make a significant difference in the hemostasis community.”
The facility is located in Building Tech Four of the Economic Development Authority’s Technology Center of New Jersey, North Brunswick, NJ, at 685 US Highway 1. It is within the Greater New Brunswick Innovation Zone, one of three zones in the state created to encourage the growth of technology and life sciences companies.
“With more research-based pharmaceutical companies than any other country in the world and more scientists per capita than any other state, New Jersey is an ideal place for the first-ever hemostasis research facility,” said Caren S. Franzini, chief executive officer of the NJ Economic Development Authority, which awarded the company a $3.3 million business incentive grant last year. “Novo Nordisk Research US is an important and welcomed addition to the Greater New Brunswick Innovation Zone.”
With a unique Scandinavian design and a central research square surrounded by offices and laboratories, Novo Nordisk Research US is designed to create an open environment to encourage communication and collaboration among the scientists. The 30,000-square-foot facility, which is being considered for R&D Magazine’s “2006 Laboratory of the Year” award, houses 21 full-time researchers, a staff size Novo Nordisk intends to double by the end of the year.
About Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company with an 80-year history of innovation and achievement in diabetes care. In addition to diabetes care, Novo Nordisk has a leading position within areas such as hemostasis management, growth hormone therapy, and hormone therapy for women. Novo Nordisk’s business is driven by the Triple Bottom Line: a commitment to economic success, environmental soundness, and social responsibility to employees and customers. With headquarters in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 22,000 full- time employees in 79 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 global information, visit http://www.novonordisk.com; for United States information, visit http://www.novonordisk-us.com.
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CONTACT: Media: Susan Jackson, +1-609-919-7776, or Investors: MadsVeggerby Lausten, +1-609-919-7937, both for Novo Nordisk
