Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO; CPH: NOVO-B), the Danish pharmaceutical giant specializing in diabetes care, is expanding its insulin manufacturing presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The company has entered into a partnership with Indonesia’s state-owned Bio Farma to collaborate on the production of diabetes medications. As per a memorandum of understanding, Novo Nordisk will bring its diabetes products and insulin manufacturing expertise to the table, while Bio Farma will provide local production facilities; further details of the agreement were not disclosed.
Bio Farma is expected to supply the local market, which is significant given that Indonesia is currently home to 19.5 million people with diabetes, a number projected to increase to 28.6 million by 2045. The prevalence of diabetes in Indonesia is concerning, with an estimated 80% of patients having poorly controlled blood sugar levels, according to the country’s health authorities.
In recent months, Novo Nordisk has been actively expanding its manufacturing capabilities, primarily to support the company’s new generation of GLP-1 targeted obesity and diabetes treatments. This expansion includes an investment of over USD 4 billion in its Denmark-based production facilities, and in February 2024, parent company Novo Holdings announced plans to acquire contract manufacturing organization (CMO) Catalent for USD 16.5 billion, which included the direct transfer of three of Catalent’s manufacturing plants to Novo Nordisk.- Flcube.com
