Novo Nordisk has announced major company-wide job cuts aimed at simplifying its organisation and redirecting resources towards growth opportunities in diabetes and obesity.
The Danish pharmaceutical giant intends to cut approximately 9,000 roles globally, including 5,000 in Denmark, in a bid to improve decision-making speed and focus investment on science, commercial capabilities and manufacturing.
The move is expected to deliver DKK 8bn in annualised savings by the end of 2026, with one-off restructuring costs of the same amount impacting the company’s 2025 operating profit growth outlook. Novo Nordisk now expects to achieve 4-10% growth, down from a previous estimate of 10-16%.
On the decision, new company CEO Mike Doustdar said: “As the global leader in obesity and diabetes, Novo Nordisk delivers life-changing products for patients worldwide. But our markets are evolving, particularly in obesity, as it has become more competitive and consumer-driven. Our company must evolve as well.”
Doustdar added: “It is always difficult to see talented and valued colleagues go, but we are convinced that this is the right thing to do for the long-term success of Novo Nordisk. By realigning our resources now, we will be able to prioritise investments to drive sustainable growth and future innovation for millions of patients.” The cuts will be implemented immediately, with employees to learn their fate over the coming months.
This announcement lands amid recent leadership changes, including the departure earlier this year of CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen and Executive Vice President of Commercial Strategy & Corporate Affairs, Camilla Sylvest.
Analysts note that the shift aligns with broader trends in the pharma industry, where companies are streamlining operations to invest strategically in high-growth therapy areas.
