Bioethics
Public expectations of greater accountability and transparency are rising, with companies expected to show how they ensure ethical considerations in the process of bringing products to market. Healthcare companies have a unique ethical responsibility by the very nature of their business.
While regulatory authorities monitor research to ensure it is conducted in accordance with relevant laws and universal principles, stakeholders also seek reassurance that companies consider any ethical concerns that may emerge. In particular, this is a matter of being respectful of the integrity of people participating in medical studies, animal welfare and culturally founded objections to certain types of research.
Performance 2006
- In 2006 Novo Nordisk developed and launched an ongoing awareness programme on bioethics for employees. The programme includes a half-day symposium, mini seminars, employee meetings, and articles in the internal employee magazine. In 2006 the first mini-symposium was held, presenting ethical challenges in clinical trials and how Novo Nordisk deals with such dilemmas. Furthermore, a film is currently being produced to show how bioethical considerations are an integral part of developing new medicines at Novo Nordisk.
- A website on bioethics, featuring information on the bioethical issues that are addressed by Novo Nordisk, was developed in 2006. It will be accessible via novonordisk.com and is expected to be publicly available at the beginning of 2007.
- Through the Danish Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (LiF), Novo Nordisk helped develop the first course on bioethics designed exclusively for the pharmaceutical industry. A group of key players in the bioethical debate such as media, politicians, academia and industry gathered to share views on bioethics.
See Novo Nordisk's performance regarding:
Animal welfare
Clinical trials
Gene technology
Stem cell research
Novo Nordisk’s approach
Novo Nordisk defines bioethics as all ethical issues related to the use of life science technologies for the development and production of biotechnological and pharmaceutical products. As a company committed to the Triple Bottom Line, a Bioethics Policy is included in the Novo Nordisk Way of Management – our basic management principles. This policy, which provides operational guidelines within this area, is described below.
Novo Nordisk Bioethics Policy
In Novo Nordisk we will continuously improve our bioethical performance.
This means that we will:
- Promote bioethical awareness throughout the company
- Establish and ensure high ethical standards for:
o Experiments on live animals
o Clinical trials and use of human material
o Gene technology
o Our external partners, contract research organisations and suppliers, and monitor their performance - Engage in stakeholder dialogue and partnerships, and report on our performance
- Live up to the spirit, values, principles and content of relevant conventions, laws and requirements.
Environment & Bioethics Committee
The work in this field is governed by the Environment & Bioethics Committee, chaired by Lise Kingo, executive vice president and chief of staffs. The committee, which is mandated by the Executive Management group, includes Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, executive vice president and chief science officer. Corporate principles for the use of animals and for clinical studies are part of the internal management systems and communicated to Novo Nordisk employees as well as to research partners.
This page has been assessed by PricewaterhouseCoopers as part of its assessment of Novo Nordisk’s statement that it reports ‘in accordance’ with GRI. Please refer to Audit and assurance for a full description of the nature of assurance offered.
