Novo Nordisk Increased Operating Profit by 24% in the First Quarter of 2011 (28 April 2011)

Bagsvaerd, Denmark (ots/PRNewswire) - Sales increased by
15% in Danish kroner and by 11% in local currencies.

- Sales of modern insulins increased by 14% (11% in local
currencies).

- Victoza(R) sales of DKK 1,098 million (growth of 191% in local
currencies).

- Sales of NovoSeven(R) increased by 6% (4% in local currencies).

- Sales in North America increased by 16% (14% in local
currencies).

- Sales in Region China increased by 34% (28% in local
currencies).

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20110414/NY80976LOGO
)

Gross margin improved by 0.3 percentage points in local
currencies, reflecting a favourable product mix development, but due
to a negative currency effect, the gross margin declined by 0.2
percentage points to 80.1% compared to the first quarter of 2010.

Reported operating profit increased by 24% to DKK 5,418 million.
Measured in local currencies, operating profit increased by
approximately 20%.

Net profit increased by 23% to DKK 4,073 million. Earnings per
share (diluted) increased by 26% to DKK 7.06.

Novo Nordisk has completed a pre-specified meta-analysis based on
the Degludec phase 3a trial programme. The meta-analysis confirmed
that Degludec is associated with a lower risk of hypoglycaemia
compared to insulin glargine, both on the total number of confirmed
hypoglycaemic events, and on the number of confirmed nocturnal
hypoglycaemic events. Both findings are statistically significant.

The 2011 outlook remains unchanged: sales growth of 8-10% and
operating profit growth of around 15%, both measured in local
currencies.

Lars Rebien S0rensen, president and CEO, says: "We are encouraged
by the continued double-digit sales growth driven by Victoza(R) and
modern insulins. It strengthens our confidence in the company's long
term growth prospects despite the near-term impact on sales growth
from healthcare reforms in the US and other major markets, which is
reflected in the 2011 outlook."

Company Announcement no 25 /2011

Read the full announcement in PDF format:

http://www.novonordisk.com/press/sea/sea.asp

For broadcast standard video supporting this release please visit
our Broadcast room on novonordisk.com - Media

ots Originaltext: Novo Nordisk A/S
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
Media: Mike Rulis, Tel: (+45)4442-3573, mike@novonordisk.com; InNorth
America, Ken Inchausti, Tel: (+1)609-786-8316, kiau@novonordisk.com