Danish pharma giant Novo Nordisk has launched a sweeping transformation program aimed at simplifying operations, speeding up decision-making and reallocating resources toward its core growth drivers in diabetes and obesity.
As part of the overhaul, Novo Nordisk will reduce its global workforce by about 9,000 positions out of 78,400 employees, with roughly 5,000 cuts in Denmark. The restructuring is expected to deliver annualised savings of 8 billion Danish kroner (EUR 1.07bn) by the end of 2026, which will be reinvested into R&D, manufacturing expansion and commercial execution.
CEO Mike Doustdar said the move reflects both rising demand and intensifying competition in obesity care: “Our company must evolve as well. This means instilling a performance-based culture, deploying resources more effectively, and prioritising investment where it will have the most impact – behind our leading therapy areas.”
The transformation, however, comes at a financial cost. Novo Nordisk will record around 8 billion kroner in one-off restructuring charges, mainly in the third quarter of 2025. As a result, the company has revised down its full-year profit guidance: operating profit is now expected to grow 4–10% at constant exchange rates, compared to the 10–16% growth forecast issued in August.
Despite the near-term hit, Novo Nordisk emphasised that the programme is designed to secure long-term sustainable growth and innovation. Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Bagsværd, Denmark, the company remains the global leader in diabetes and obesity care, with products sold in about 170 countries.
Source: Novo Nordisk, Company Announcement No. 26/2025: Novo Nordisk to streamline operations and reinvest for growth, 10 Sept 2025, Novo Nordisk
