Apply for grants

Novo Holdings companies provided medicines to more than 30 million people in 2020

In addition to supporting scientific, social and humanitarian causes, the Novo Nordisk Foundation also owns and invests in life science companies that are contributing to research and development of new medicines and solutions for the benefit of people and the sustainability of society. In 2020 alone, it is estimated that the companies provided medicines to more than 30 million people.

In addition to supporting scientific, social and humanitarian causes, the Novo Nordisk Foundation also owns and invests in life science companies that are contributing to research and development of new medicines and solutions for the benefit of people and the sustainability of society.

The investments are conducted by the Foundation’s fully owned subsidiary, Novo Holdings A/S.

Today, Novo Holdings’ assets under management comprise more than 130 life science companies, many of which supply vital medicines for people all over the world through research and development.

In 2020 alone, it is estimated that the companies provided medicines to more than 30 million people.

This is documented for the first time in the Foundation’s 2020 Impact Report, which was recently published. The report contains an overview of selected societal impact of the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

“In addition to being a supportive owner of the Novo Group companies, our mission is to make a growing and positive impact on health, science and society by generating attractive long-term returns on the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation,” says Kasim Kutay, CEO of Novo Holdings.

The products and services of the companies help millions of people every year. Among others, these include pharmaceutical products, medical devices, technologies and health services. An example is Novo Holdings’ 100% ownership of Sonion, a global leader in designing and manufacturing components and solutions for hearing instruments (hearing aids, in-ear earphones, hearables and wearables) to improve people’s quality of life all over the world.

In addition, Novo Holdings also invests in companies applying biotechnology to develop new solutions addressing societal challenges such as climate change.

Creating jobs and growth
The Impact Report also shows that the Novo Group (Novo Nordisk and Novozymes) and the life science companies in which Novo Holdings has invested represent a sizeable pipeline of potential future products. Since 2018, the portfolio companies have published more than 5,700 patent applications, and more than 1,600 patents have been granted.

From 2016 to 2019, the Novo Group and the life science portfolio companies have developed more than 60 medical interventions and products that are protected by patents.

The investments in companies not only support health and the quality of life of patients but also employment and tax payments to society. In 2020, the Novo Group and the life science portfolio companies employed more than 100,000 people, of which about 25,000 were employed in Denmark. The Novo Group paid more than 10% of the total corporate taxes in Denmark in 2020 – through joint taxation.

Read more about the societal footprint of the Novo Nordisk Foundation on topics such as job creation, research funding and more in the 2020 Impact Report here.

Further information
Christian Mostrup, Senior Programme Lead, +45 3067 4805, [email protected]