The Novo Nordisk Foundation, a major philanthropic fund linked to Novo Nordisk A/S, is planning to expand its investments beyond Denmark. This decision comes after the foundation experienced significant growth in its assets due to the success of diabetes and obesity treatments like Ozempic and Wegovy, both of which have gained widespread popularity.
With total assets amounting to around €149 billion ($157 billion), the foundation, led by CEO Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, is gearing up to make substantial investments in 2025 that have the potential to have a global impact. Thomsen mentioned that these investments could be game-changers and could potentially address critical human and planetary health issues.
In order to identify key institutions for collaboration, the foundation is looking to assess the strengths of academic, hospital, and research organizations in the US, Europe, and potentially Southeast Asia. Additionally, there are plans to establish a new office in the US, with potential expansion into Southeast Asia, pending board approval.
The decision to focus on the US market comes at a time of uncertainty, with concerns about the impact of certain political appointments on healthcare policy. Thomsen, who previously served as Novo’s chief scientific officer, expressed the hope that initiatives supporting innovative science, such as the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, will continue under the new administration.
One of the primary areas of focus for the foundation’s international strategy will be cardiometabolic health, specifically targeting the rising rates of obesity and diabetes globally. Thomsen highlighted the increasing prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases in regions like Africa and India, emphasizing the need for solutions that go beyond pharmaceutical interventions.
While drugs like Ozempic show promise in addressing obesity, Thomsen acknowledged that they are not the sole solution to the global crisis. The complex manufacturing process and the sheer scale of the issue, with over 1 billion people estimated to be obese worldwide, present significant challenges. However, he remains optimistic that advancements in technology and production processes will make these treatments more accessible in the future.
In conclusion, the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s strategic decision to expand its reach beyond Denmark reflects its commitment to tackling pressing health challenges on a global scale. By focusing on innovative solutions and partnerships with key institutions, the foundation aims to drive meaningful progress in the field of healthcare and make a lasting impact on human health and well-being.
