Sub-theme: Pharmaceutical therapies
Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company focused on the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of diabetes, obesity and haemophilia. Within the company’s diabetes and obesity segment it concentrates on insulin, GLP-1 and other protein-related products as well as delivery systems and needles and oral anti-diabetic drugs. Within the biopharmaceuticals segment, it covers haemophilia care, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy.
Impact Score: 46%
Many of Novo Nordisk’s therapies are given to patients who would either die or experience a dramatically lower quality of life without the therapies. While the drugs are providing benefits to a vulnerable population, it also tends to be one that is well-served.
Fundamental Quality: 76%
Novo is an impressive company driven by R&D and purpose, with a strong track record of innovation. ESG considerations are integrated within the company’s pursuit of doing business the “Novo Nordisk Way”, which is the basis for its guiding principles used in decision making.
(per £1m invested in this company FY23)
- Side-effects from pharmaceuticals
- Product pricing restricts access for poor communities
- Plastic waste from packaging
- Animal testing of pharmaceuticals
