UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 ------------ FORM 6-K ------------ REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 AUGUST 07 2007 ------------ NOVO NORDISK A/S (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) NOVO ALLE DK-2880, BAGSVAERD DENMARK (Address of principal executive offices) ------------ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F Form 20-F [X] Form 40-F [ ] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes [ ] No [X] If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g-32(b):82-_____________________ HALF-YEARLY REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE PERIOD 1 JANUARY 2007 TO 30 JUNE 2007 NOVO NORDISK INCREASED FIRST HALF-YEAR OPERATING PROFIT BY 14% AND RAISES THE EXPECTATION FOR 2007 OPERATING PROFIT GROWTH TO AROUND 10% * Novo Nordisk increased sales by 14% in local currencies and - due to a significant negative currency development - by 9% in Danish kroner. o Sales of modern insulins increased by 37% (31% in Danish kroner). o Sales of NovoSeven(R) increased by 11% (5% in Danish kroner). o Sales of Norditropin(R) increased by 13% (7% in Danish kroner). o Sales in North America increased by 25% (16% in Danish kroner). * Gross margin increased to 77.0% in the first six months of 2007 up from 75.0% in the same period last year, primarily reflecting continued productivity improvements. * Operating profit increased by 14% to DKK 5,134 million. Adjusted for the impact from currencies underlying operating profit increased by around 25%. * Net profit increased by 81% to DKK 5,361 million, primarily reflecting the divestment of Dako's business activities. Earnings per share (diluted) increased by 84% to DKK 16.76. * The full-year expectation for operating profit growth is now around 10%, primarily reflecting a sustainable improvement in gross margin. Measured in local currencies the expectation for full-year operating profit growth is now increased to around 20%. * Novo Nordisk has announced very positive results from the first phase 3 study with liraglutide, a human GLP-1 analogue, showing that liraglutide is statistically superior to insulin glargine in terms of blood glucose control and weight loss. Lars Rebien S0rensen, president and CEO, said: "The business continues to perform very well with robust sales growth and a sustained improvement in our gross margin. We are also very pleased with the first phase 3 results on liraglutide which are expected to be supported by results from additional phase 3 studies during the following months." FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 2007 This interim report has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The accounting policies used in the interim report are consistent with those used in the Annual Report 2006. The interim report has not been audited. Amounts in DKK million, except average number of shares outstanding, earnings per share and full-time employees. INCOME STATEMENT 6M 2007 6M 2006 % CHANGE 6M 2006 TO 6M 2007 SALES 20,381 18,673 9% GROSS PROFIT 15,703 14,006 12% Gross margin 77.0% 75.0% Sales and distribution costs 6,158 5,578 10% Percent of sales 30.2% 29.9% Research and development costs 3,401 2,917 17% Percent of sales 16.7% 15.6% Administrative expenses 1,208 1,137 6% Percent of sales 5.9% 6.1% Licence fees and other operating income 198 135 47% OPERATING PROFIT 5,134 4,509 14% Operating margin 25.2% 24.1% Net financials 1,634 (289) - PROFIT BEFORE TAX 6,768 4,220 60% NET PROFIT 5,361 2,954 81% Net profit margin 26.3% 15.8% OTHER KEY NUMBERS Depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses 1,025 968 6% Capital expenditure 952 1,217 (22%) Cash flow from operating activities 3,989 3,859 3% Free cash flow 2,926 2,462 19% Total assets 48,300 43,145 12% Equity 33,475 28,908 16% Equity ratio 69.3% 67.0% Average number of shares outstanding (million) - diluted 319.9 324.8 (2%) DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (IN DKK) 16.76 9.09 84% Full-time employees at the end of the period 24,729 22,792 8% SALES DEVELOPMENT BY SEGMENTS Sales increased by 14% in local currencies and by 9% measured in Danish kroner in the first six months of 2007. Growth was realised both within diabetes care and biopharmaceuticals - primarily driven by modern insulins (insulin analogues), NovoSeven(R) and Norditropin(R). SALES GROWTH SHARE OF 6M 2007 GROWTH IN LOCAL GROWTH IN LOCAL DKK MILLION AS REPORTED CURRENCIES CURRENCIES THE DIABETES CARE SEGMENT Modern insulins 6,529 31% 37% 68% Human insulins 6,358 (4%) 0% 1% Insulin-related sales 856 9% 14% 4% Oral antidiabetic products 1,052 10% 15% 5% Diabetes care - total 14,795 11% 16% 78% THE BIOPHARMACEUTICALS SEGMENT NovoSeven(R) 2,919 5% 11% 11% Growth hormone therapy 1,708 7% 13% 8% Other products 959 2% 8% 3% Biopharmaceuticals - total 5,586 5% 11% 22% TOTAL SALES 20,381 9% 14% 100% SALES DEVELOPMENT BY REGIONS In the first six months of 2007, sales growth measured in local currencies was realised in all regions. The main contributors to growth were North America and International Operations providing 54% and 23%, respectively, of the total sales growth. Europe contributed 19% and Japan & Oceania 4% of the sales growth in the first six months of 2007. Sales in North America in the first six months of 2007 were positively impacted by the continued implementation of the Medicare Part D scheme, a public scheme introduced in 2006 which offers improved medical treatment for elderly patients. As previously communicated, the greater part of the full-year 2006 positive impact of the implementation was booked in the fourth quarter of 2006 as data became available, whereas in 2007 the positive impact is expected to have a more even quarterly distribution. In addition, sales in North America in the second quarter of 2007 were positively impacted by an adjustment of the level of 2006 Medicaid rebates to reflect the final 2006 patient data available in May 2007. DIABETES CARE Sales of diabetes care products increased by 16% in local currencies and by 11% in Danish kroner to DKK 14,795 million compared to the first six months of 2006. MODERN INSULINS, HUMAN INSULINS AND INSULIN-RELATED PRODUCTS Sales of modern insulins, human insulins and insulin-related products increased by 16% measured in local currencies and by 11% in Danish kroner to DKK 13,743 million. All regions contributed to growth measured in local currencies, with North America and International Operations having the highest growth rates. Novo Nordisk is the global leader within the insulin market with 52% of the total insulin market and 41% of the modern insulin market, both measured by volume. Sales of modern insulins increased by 37% in local currencies in the first six months of 2007 and by 31% in Danish kroner to DKK 6,529 million. All regions realised solid growth rates, with North America and Europe as the primary contributors to growth. Sales of modern insulins contributed 68% of the overall growth in local currencies and now constitute more than 50% of Novo Nordisk's sales of insulin. North America Sales in North America increased by 31% in local currencies in the first six months of 2007 and by 21% in Danish kroner, reflecting a solid penetration of the modern insulins NovoLog(R) and NovoLog(R) Mix 70/30 as well as increased penetration of Levemir(R). Novo Nordisk continues to consolidate its leadership position in the US insulin market with 42% of the total insulin market and 29% of the modern insulin market, both measured by volume. The expansion of the US diabetes sales force from 1,200 to 1,900 people was completed by the end of June and is expected to support the continued uptake of modern insulins including Levemir(R). Europe Sales in Europe increased by 7% in local currencies and 7% measured in Danish kroner, reflecting continued progress for the portfolio of modern insulins. Novo Nordisk holds 57% of the total insulin market and 49% of the modern insulin market, both measured by volume, and is capturing the predominant share of growth in the modern insulin market. International Operations Sales within International Operations increased by 22% in local currencies and by 15% in Danish kroner. The main growth driver in the first six months of 2007 was sales of modern insulins, primarily in Turkey, Russia and China. Furthermore, human insulins continue to add to overall growth in the region, driven by China. Sales growth in the first six months of 2007 was negatively impacted by the loss of a federal human insulin tender in Brazil in the second half of 2006. Japan & Oceania Sales in Japan & Oceania increased by 5% in local currencies and decreased by 5% measured in Danish kroner. The sales development reflects sales growth of modern insulins, NovoRapid(R) and NovoRapid(R) 30 Mix, both of which are increasingly being sold in the leading prefilled delivery device, FlexPen(R). ORAL ANTIDIABETIC PRODUCTS (NOVONORM(R)/PRANDIN(R)) Sales of oral antidiabetic products increased by 15% in local currencies and by 10% in Danish kroner to DKK 1,052 million compared to the same period in 2006. This reflects increased sales in International Operations, North America and Europe compared to the same period last year, primarily related to an improved reimbursement situation in China and a higher average sales price in the US market. BIOPHARMACEUTICALS Sales of biopharmaceutical products increased by 11% in local currencies and by 5% measured in Danish kroner to DKK 5,586 million compared to the first six months of 2006. NOVOSEVEN(R) Sales of NovoSeven(R) increased by 11% in local currencies and by 5% in Danish kroner to DKK 2,919 million compared to the same period last year. Sales growth for NovoSeven(R) was primarily realised in North America. The sales growth of NovoSeven(R) during the first six months of 2007 reflected increased sales within the congenital bleeding disorder segments as well as a perceived higher level of investigational use. Treatment of spontaneous bleeds for congenital inhibitor patients remains the largest area of use. In Europe, NovoSeven(R) was recently launched for single dose use (270 ug/kg) for people with haemophilia with inhibitors, making administration of NovoSeven(R) more convenient for mild to moderate bleeds. GROWTH HORMONE THERAPY (NORDITROPIN(R)) Sales of Norditropin(R), growth hormone in a liquid, ready-to-use formulation, increased by 13% measured in local currencies and by 7% measured in Danish kroner to DKK 1,708 million. All regions contributed to growth measured in local currencies supported by the continued success of the prefilled delivery device NordiFlex(R). OTHER PRODUCTS Sales of other products within biopharmaceuticals, which predominantly consist of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) related products, increased by 8% in local currencies and by 2% in Danish kroner to DKK 959 million. This development primarily reflects continued sales progress in the US market for Vagifem(R), Novo Nordisk's topical oestrogen product. Novo Nordisk is now the global leader within the topical HRT market with a market share of 30%, measured in value. COSTS, LICENCE FEES AND OTHER OPERATING INCOME The cost of goods sold was largely unchanged at DKK 4,678 million, representing a gross margin of 77.0% compared to 75.0% in the first six months of 2006. This improvement reflects improved production efficiency, an improved product mix and higher average prices in the US, but also a negative impact of around 0.7 percentage points due to currency developments, primarily the lower value of US dollars and Japanese yen versus Danish kroner compared to the same period last year. Total non-production-related costs increased by 12% to DKK 10,767 million. The increase reflects costs related to sales and distribution as well as research and development. Sales and distribution costs increased slightly more than sales, primarily reflecting the increase in the US diabetes care sales force, as well as a provision relating to an antidumping court case in Brazil. Research and development costs also increased more than sales, primarily reflecting the high number of late-stage clinical development projects currently being conducted. Licence fees and other operating income in the first six months of 2007 were DKK 198 million, positively impacted by a non-recurring income related to the out-licensing of an oral antidiabetic compound. NET FINANCIALS Net financials showed a net income of DKK 1,634 million in the first six months of 2007 compared to a net expense of DKK 289 million in the same period in 2006. Included in net financials is the result from associated companies with an income of DKK 1,290 million, primarily related to the tax-exempt income of DKK 1.4 billion from Novo Nordisk's divestment of the ownership of Dako's business activities as well as Novo Nordisk's share of losses in ZymoGenetics Inc, compared to an expense of DKK 118 million in the same period in 2006. The foreign exchange result was an income of DKK 458 million compared to a loss of DKK 175 million in the same period last year. This development reflects gains on foreign exchange hedging activities due to the lower value of especially US dollars and Japanese yen versus Danish kroner in the first six months of 2007 compared to the exchange rate level prevailing in 2006. OUTLOOK 2007 Novo Nordisk expects 11-14% growth in SALES measured in local currencies for 2007. This is based on expectations of continued market penetration of Novo Nordisk's key strategic products within diabetes care and biopharmaceuticals, as well as expectations of increased competition in the diabetes care area during 2007 due to competitors' product launches. Given the current level of exchange rates versus Danish kroner, the reported sales growth for 2007 is expected to be 7-10%. For 2007, OPERATING PROFIT as reported is now expected to grow by around 10%, reflecting a sustainable gross margin improvement but also a continued depreciation of key invoicing currencies versus Danish kroner compared to the exchange rate levels prevailing at the time of the first quarter 2007 results released on 2 May 2007. Measured in local currencies the expectation for growth in operating profit is increased to around 20%, reflecting a sustainable improvement in gross margin. The expectation for operating profit growth still includes an expected higher level of spending on the portfolio of research and development projects as well as a continued high level of spending on sales and marketing. For 2007, Novo Nordisk still expects a NET FINANCIAL INCOME of around DKK 1,800 million, including a positive impact from Novo Nordisk's divestment of the ownership of Dako's business activities, which was announced on 28 February 2007 and completed on 31 May 2007. A tax-exempt income of DKK 1.4 billion from the divestment was recorded in the second quarter of 2007. For 2007, Novo Nordisk expects an effective TAX RATE of 22%. The tax rate includes a non-recurring positive effect of around 3 percentage points from Novo Nordisk's divestment of the ownership of Dako's business activities and a non-recurring effect of around 1 percentage point from the re-evaluation of the company's deferred tax liabilities as a consequence of the new Danish corporation tax law. Also included in the outlook for the effective tax rate for 2007 is a recurring effect of close to 2 percentage points caused by the reduction in the Danish corporation tax rate from 28% to 25%. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE is expected to be below DKK 3 billion in 2007. Expectations for DEPRECIATION, AMORTISATION AND IMPAIRMENT LOSSES are still around DKK 2.3 billion, and FREE CASH FLOW is expected to be around DKK 7 billion, which includes a positive impact from the divestment of the ownership of Dako's business activities. All of the above expectations are provided that currency exchange rates, especially the US dollar and related currencies, remain at the current level versus the Danish krone for the rest of 2007. Novo Nordisk has hedged expected net cash flows in relation to US dollars, Japanese yen and British pounds for 17, 14 and 10 months, respectively. The financial impact from foreign exchange hedging is included in 'Net financials'. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE DIABETES CARE As communicated on 21 June 2007, Novo Nordisk received the clinical results from the first of five phase 3 studies with the once-daily human GLP-1 analogue liraglutide. The 26-week study included 581 patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by two oral antidiabetic drugs, metformin and a sulfonylurea (glimepiride). All patients in the study continued therapy with the two oral drugs and were randomised to add one daily injection of liraglutide, placebo or insulin glargine. The average HbA1c level at the beginning of the study was between 8.0% and 8.5%. At the end of the study, more than 50% of patients in the liraglutide group had reached the American Diabetes Association goal of HbA1c < 7%. Furthermore, more than 35% achieved the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists HbA1c target of <= 6.5%. The HbA1c reduction achieved in the liraglutide group was more than 0.2 percentage points better than in the insulin glargine group, a difference which is statistically significant. In addition, the patients on liraglutide treatment lost on average 3.5 kg body weight compared to the insulin glargine group, a difference which was statistically significant as well. At the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) held in Chicago in June this year, Novo Nordisk presented detailed results of the Japanese phase 2 study with liraglutide as monotherapy including 226 patients with type 2 diabetes treated over a period of 14 weeks. From an HbA1c baseline of between 8.1% and 8.5%, the patients treated with the high dose of liraglutide improved on average HbA1c by 1.9 percentage points vs placebo by reducing both fasting and post-meal glucose levels. Results showed that liraglutide was effective and well tolerated within a wide dose range, allowing 75% of patients receiving the highest dose to achieve the glycaemic control target of HbA1c < 7.0% without hypoglycaemia. At the ADA meeting, Novo Nordisk also presented detailed results from the Levemir(R) PREDICTIVE(R) clinical trial in the US. The six-month study including 5,604 patients showed that the patients with type 2 diabetes were able to safely reduce their blood sugar by adjusting their own dosage of Levemir(R), compared to dosing adjusted by their primary care physician. This improvement in HbA1c levels was observed with minimal weight change and without increases in rates of hypoglycaemia. Furthermore, around 90% of the patients were well treated on Levemir(R) once daily at the end of the study. BIOPHARMACEUTICALS Novo Nordisk has filed for regulatory approval of a heat-stable version of NovoSeven(R) in Europe as well as in the US. A heat-stable product is expected to deliver significant patient benefits including rapid dosing and ease of access to treatment outside of home or hospital settings. Novo Nordisk has recently initiated a phase 2 study with the short-acting NovoSeven(R) analogue (NN1731). The study is expected to include around 75 haemophilia patients with inhibitors and will evaluate both safety and efficacy of NN1731. The study is expected to take around two years to complete. Furthermore, as communicated on 15 June 2007, Novo Nordisk has initiated a phase 1 study with a long-acting version of NovoSeven(R). This long-acting version in addition to the short-acting analogue (NN1731) shows Novo Nordisk's commitment to develop the class of second-generation rFVIIa compounds with improved properties. In June, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Norditropin(R) for the treatment of short stature in children with Noonan syndrome. Noonan syndrome is defined as an autosomal dominant genetic syndrome commonly characterised by short stature, congenital heart defects and abnormal facial features. Norditropin(R) has received orphan drug designation for this indication. Novo Nordisk has initiated a global phase 3 trial for the use of Norditropin(R) for the treatment of adult patients in chronic dialysis (APCD) encompassing around 2,500 patients. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluates the impact of growth hormone treatment on the survival rate of APCD patients following two years' treatment. Growth hormone treatment is expected to increase the patients' lean body mass and level of serum albumin, which has been shown to be leading indicators for survival in APCD. The study is expected to take around three years to complete. Finally, Novo Nordisk has successfully completed a 12-month double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, multi-centre US phase 3 trial of Vagifem(R) low dose (10ug estradiol). The efficacy and safety of Vagifem(R) low dose for the treatment of postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis symptoms was investigated in this trial and a significant improvement was observed in all three primary endpoints compared to placebo. Novo Nordisk expects to file for marketing approval with the FDA later this year. EQUITY Total equity was DKK 33,475 million at the end of the first six months of 2007, equal to 69.3% of total assets, compared to 67.4% at the end of 2006. Please refer to appendix 6 for further elaboration of changes in equity during 2007. HOLDING OF TREASURY SHARES AND SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAMME As per 2 August 2007, Novo Nordisk A/S and its wholly-owned affiliates owned 5,514,614 of its own B shares, corresponding to 1.70% of the total share capital. The reduction in the ownership of own shares reflects the cancellation of 13,480,000 B shares, which took place on 19 June 2007 following a decision at the annual general meeting earlier this year. During the period from 1 January to 2 August 2007, Novo Nordisk repurchased a total of 138,000 B shares equal to a cash value of DKK 0.1 billion. In 2006, Novo Nordisk repurchased shares equal to a cash value of DKK 3 billion out of the total DKK 10 billion share repurchase programme for 2006-2008. In 2007, Novo Nordisk still expects to repurchase B shares equal to a cash value of DKK 5 billion. CHANGE IN TRADING UNITS In order to secure liquidity for both the Novo Nordisk B shares and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and bring price levels in line with market practice for especially the ADRs, the Board of Directors has decided to make a stock split. The trading unit of the Novo Nordisk B shares listed on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange will be changed from DKK 2 to DKK 1. The ratio of B shares to ADRs listed on the New York Stock Exchange will remain 1:1. These changes in trading units are expected to take effect as of 1 December 2007. SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES UPDATE NEW RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS THE ECONOMIC COST OF DIABETES A dramatic increase in the prevalence of diabetes is a heavy economic burden for both developed and developing countries, according to a new report from the Economist Intelligence Unit, sponsored by Novo Nordisk. The research covered five countries: China, India, the United Kingdom, the United States and Denmark. It was found that India, with costs equivalent to 2.1% of GDP being incurred as a result of diabetes in 2007, is currently bearing the heaviest relative costs. Among the developed countries in the study, the US faces the biggest burden, with costs equivalent to 1.3% of GDP. The cost of treatment is high but the cost of doing nothing is far greater, the report concludes. If countries do not invest in prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, the costs are likely to escalate dramatically in the future. In addition to exploring the economic cost of diabetes, the report examines some of the barriers that are preventing the diabetes epidemic from being more effectively addressed, and looks at a number of innovative approaches being taken to combat diabetes in both developed and developing countries. It highlights the need for greater measurement and transparency to more accurately calculate the real economic burden of diabetes and calls for more collaboration between policy-makers, healthcare providers and industry to develop more effective health education, diseases awareness programmes and policies. NOVO NORDISK INCREASES TRANSPARENCY ON CLINICAL TRIALS Novo Nordisk has launched a new website dedicated to clinical trials. The new clinical trials portal will provide an overview of all Novo Nordisk's clinical trials in phases 2 and 3 as well as trials being conducted after launch. It also provides information about Novo Nordisk's global ethical standards and guidelines for clinical trials. Novo Nordisk has published the results of its clinical trials on www.ClinicalStudyResults.org and the US government registry www.clinicaltrials.gov since 2005. The new site at novonordisk-trials.com makes the information available directly. LEGAL ISSUES UPDATE US HORMONE THERAPY LITIGATION As of 2 August 2007, Novo Nordisk Inc., as well as the majority of hormone therapy product manufacturers in the US, is a defendant in product liability lawsuits related to hormone therapy products. These lawsuits currently involve a total of 43 individuals who allege use of a Novo Nordisk hormone therapy product. These products (Activella(R) and Vagifem(R)) have been sold and marketed in the US since 2000. Until July 2003, the products were sold and marketed exclusively in the US by Pharmacia & Upjohn Company (now Pfizer Inc.). Further, an additional 28 individuals currently allege, in relation to similar lawsuits against Pfizer Inc., that they also have used a Novo Nordisk hormone therapy product. While Novo Nordisk does not have any court trials scheduled for 2007 and does not presently expect to have a trial scheduled before 2008, one of the 28 individuals who filed suit against Pfizer alleging use of Activella(R) has a trial tentatively scheduled for December 2007. Novo Nordisk does not expect the pending claims to impact Novo Nordisk's financial outlook SOLOSTAR(R) LITIGATION On 10 July 2007, Novo Nordisk filed a lawsuit against Sanofi-Aventis for insulin delivery device patent infringement. The lawsuit was filed in the US District Court for the District of New Jersey and named Sanofi-Aventis as defendant. The lawsuit alleges Sanofi-Aventis's SoloStar(R) pen system infringes a Novo Nordisk US patent relating to mechanisms for injecting and dose-setting and seeks both an injunction and monetary damages. CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS At 13.00 CET today, corresponding to 7.00 am New York time, a conference call will be held. Investors will be able to listen in via a link on novonordisk.com, which can be found under 'Investors - Download centre'. Presentation material for the conference call will be made available approximately one hour before on the same page. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT The above contains forward-looking statements as the term is defined in the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This in particular relates to information included under the headings 'Outlook 2007', 'Research and development update' and 'Legal issues update' with reference to plans, forecasts, expectations, strategies, projections and assessment of risks. Words such as 'believe', 'expect', 'may', 'will', 'plan', 'strategy', 'prospect', 'foresee', 'estimate', 'project', 'anticipate', 'can', 'intend' and similar words identify forward-looking statements. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) statements of plans, objectives or goals for future operations including those related to Novo Nordisk's products, product research, product introductions and product approvals as well as co-operations in relation thereto, (ii) statements containing projections of revenues, income (or loss), earnings per share, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure or other net financials, (iii) statements of future economic performance and (iv) statements of the assumptions underlying or relating to such statements. These statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and therefore undue reliance should not be placed on them. Moreover, such statements are not guarantees of future results. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. Novo Nordisk cautions that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. Factors that may affect future results include, but are not limited to, interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations, delay or failure of development projects, interruptions of supplies and production, product recall, pressure on insulin prices, unexpected contract breaches or terminations, government-mandated or market-driven price decreases for Novo Nordisk's products, introduction of competing products, Novo Nordisk's ability to successfully market current and new products, exposure to product liability and other legal proceedings and investigations, changes in reimbursement rules and governmental laws and related interpretation thereof, perceived or actual failure to adhere to ethical marketing practices, developments in international activities, which also involve certain political risks, investments in and divestitures of domestic and foreign companies and unexpected growth in costs and expenses. Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by Novo Nordisk with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the company's Form 20-F for 2006 filed with the US SEC in February 2007, and to the section 'Risk management' of the Annual Report 2006 available on our website (novonordisk.com). Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and unless required by law Novo Nordisk is under no duty and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of them, after the distribution of this Stock Exchange Announcement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. MANAGEMENT STATEMENT Today, the Board of Directors and Executive Management reviewed and approved the interim report and accounts of Novo Nordisk A/S for the first six months of 2007. The interim report and accounts have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and the additional Danish disclosure requirements applying to listed companies' interim reports and accounts. In our opinion the accounting policies used are appropriate and the overall presentation of the interim report and accounts is adequate. Furthermore, in our opinion the interim report and accounts give a true and fair view of the Group's assets, liabilities, financial position and of the results of the operations and consolidated cash flows for the period under review. Bagsvaerd 3 August 2007 EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT: Lars Rebien Sorensen Jesper Brandgaard President and CEO CFO Lise Kingo Kare Schultz Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Sten Scheibye Goran A Ando Chairman Vice chairman Kurt Briner Henrik Gurtler Johnny Henriksen Niels Jacobsen Anne Marie Kverneland Kurt Anker Nielsen Soren Thuesen Pedersen Stig Strobaek Jorgen Wedel CONTACTS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION INVESTORS: MEDIA: Outside North America: Outside North America: Mike Rulis Mads Veggerby Lausten Tel (direct): (+45) 4442 3573 Tel (direct): (+45) 4443 7919 E-mail: mike@novonordisk.com E-mail: mlau@novonordisk.com Hans Rommer Tel (direct): (+45) 4442 4765 E-mail: hrmm@novonordisk.com In North America: In North America: Lori Moore Christian Qvist Frandsen Tel (direct): (+1) 609 919 7991 Tel (direct): (+1) 609 919 7937 E-mail: lrmo@novonordisk.com E-mail: cqfr@novonordisk.com Further information on Novo Nordisk is available on the company's internet homepage at the address: novonordisk.com Stock Exchange Announcement No 20/2007 QUARTERLY NUMBERS IN DKK (Amounts in DKK million, except number of employees, earnings per share and number of shares outstanding.) % change 2007 2006 Q2 2006 - Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q2 2007 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SALES 10,563 9,818 10,487 9,583 9,727 8,946 9% Gross profit 8,205 7,498 7,906 7,246 7,475 6,531 10% Gross margin 77.7% 76.4% 75.4% 75.6% 76.8% 73.0% Sales and distribution costs 3,110 3,048 3,331 2,699 2,850 2,728 9% Percent of sales 29.4% 31.0% 31.8% 28.2% 29.3% 30.5% Research and development costs 1,754 1,647 1,910 1,489 1,498 1,419 17% Percent of sales 16.6% 16.8% 18.2% 15.5% 15.4% 15.9% Administrative expenses 594 614 645 605 557 580 7% Percent of sales 5.6% 6.3% 6.2% 6.3% 5.7% 6.5% Licence fees and other operating income (net) 60 138 88 49 59 76 2% OPERATING PROFIT 2,807 2,327 2,108 2,502 2,629 1,880 7% Operating margin 26.6% 23.7% 20.1% 26.1% 27.0% 21.0% Share of profit/(loss) in associated companies 1,350 (60) (112) (30) (58) (60) - Financial income 297 309 579 139 102 111 191% Financial expenses 60 202 165 77 182 202 -67% Profit before income taxes 4,394 2,374 2,410 2,534 2,491 1,729 76% NET PROFIT 3,652 1,709 1,724 1,774 1,743 1,211 110% Depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses 516 509 574 600 508 460 2% Capital expenditure 508 444 899 671 622 595 -18% Cash flow from operating activities 1,438 2,551 359 3,520 1,768 2,091 -19% Free cash flow 826 2,100 (439) 2,684 996 1,466 -17% Equity 33,475 29,676 30,122 28,288 28,908 27,042 16% Total assets 48,300 44,742 44,692 43,744 43,145 41,299 12% Equity ratio 69.3% 66.3% 67.4% 64.7% 67.0% 65.5% Full-time employees at the end of the period 24,729 24,045 23,172 23,071 22,792 22,556 8% Basic earnings per share (in DKK) 11.49 5.38 5.44 5.54 5.40 3.74 113% Diluted earnings per share (in DKK) 11.41 5.35 5.40 5.51 5.37 3.72 112% Average number of shares outstanding (million)* 317.9 317.5 317.1 320.1 322.9 323.6 -2% Average number of shares outstanding incl dilutive effect of options'in the money' (million)* 320.1 319.7 319.2 321.8 324.5 325.2 -1% Sales by business segments: Modern insulins (insulin analogues) 3,464 3,065 3,122 2,701 2,678 2,324 29% Human insulins *** 3,222 3,136 3,519 3,306 3,301 3,325 -2% Insulin-related sales *** 437 419 431 391 406 378 8% Oral antidiabetic products (OAD) 529 523 508 516 483 477 10% DIABETES CARE TOTAL 7,652 7,143 7,580 6,914 6,868 6,504 11% NovoSeven(R) 1,508 1,411 1,470 1,393 1,507 1,265 0% Growth hormone therapy 924 784 897 821 882 709 5% Hormone replacement therapy 411 406 455 383 396 373 4% Other products 68 74 85 72 74 95 -8% BIOPHARMACEUTICALS TOTAL 2,911 2,675 2,907 2,669 2,859 2,442 2% Sales by geographic segments: Europe ** 4,035 3,931 4,013 3,843 3,903 3,541 3% North America 3,424 3,214 3,486 3,062 2,968 2,764 15% International Operations ** 1,953 1,696 1,690 1,539 1,648 1,617 19% Japan & Oceania 1,151 977 1,298 1,139 1,208 1,024 -5% Segment operating profit: Diabetes care 1,600 1,247 1,198 1,296 1,490 998 7% Biopharmaceuticals 1,207 1,080 910 1,206 1,139 882 6% *) For Q2 2007 the exact numbers of 'Average number of shares outstanding' and'Average number of shares outstanding incl dilutive effect of options 'in the money" are 317,881,015 and 320,072,198 respectively. **) Comparative figures from 2006 have been adjusted in order to reflect a changed organisational structure from 1 January 2007 which transfers eight countries, incl. Bulgaria and Romania, from International Operations to Europe. ***) As from Q2 2007 sales figures for Human insulins and Insulin-related sales are presented separately. Comparative figures are adjusted accordingly. QUARTERLY NUMBERS IN EUR (Amounts in EUR million, except number of employees, earnings per share and number of shares outstanding.) Key figures are translated into EUR as supplementary information - the translation is based on average exchange rate for income statement and exchange rate at the balance sheet date for balance sheet items. % change 2007 2006 Q2 2006 - Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q2 2007 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SALES 1,418 1,317 1,406 1,285 1,304 1,199 9% Gross profit 1,101 1,006 1,060 972 1,002 875 10% Gross margin 77.7% 76.4% 75.4% 75.6% 76.8% 73.0% Sales and distribution costs 417 409 447 361 382 366 9% Percent of sales 29.4% 31.0% 31.8% 28.2% 29.3% 30.5% Research and development costs 235 221 256 200 201 190 17% Percent of sales 16.6% 16.8% 18.2% 15.5% 15.4% 15.9% Administrative expenses 80 82 86 82 74 78 7% Percent of sales 5.6% 6.3% 6.2% 6.3% 5.7% 6.5% Licence fees and other operating income (net) 8 19 11 7 8 10 2% OPERATING PROFIT 377 312 283 336 352 252 7% Operating margin 26.6% 23.7% 20.1% 26.1% 27.0% 21.0% Share of profit/(loss) in associated companies 181 (8) (15) (4) (8) (8) - Financial income 40 41 78 18 14 15 191% Financial expenses 8 27 22 11 24 27 -67% Profit before income taxes 589 319 324 339 334 232 76% NET PROFIT 490 229 231 238 234 162 110% Depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses 70 68 77 80 68 62 2% Capital expenditure 68 60 121 90 83 80 -18% Cash flow from operating activities 19 342 48 472 237 280 -19% Free cash flow 111 282 (59) 360 134 196 -17% Equity 4,498 3,983 4,040 3,793 3,875 3,624 16% Total assets 6,490 6,005 5,994 5,866 5,784 5,534 12% Equity ratio 69.3% 66.3% 67.4% 64.7% 67.0% 65.5% Full-time employees at the end of the period 24,729 24,045 23,172 23,071 22,792 22,556 8% Basic earnings per share (in EUR) 1.54 0.72 0.72 0.75 0.72 0.50 113% Diluted earnings per share (in EUR) 1.53 0.72 0.72 0.74 0.72 0.50 112% Average number of shares outstanding (million)* 317.9 317.5 317.1 320.1 322.9 323.6 -2% Average number of shares outstanding incl dilutive effect of options 'in the money' (million)* 320.1 319.7 319.2 321.8 324.5 325.2 -1% Sales by business segments: Modern insulins (insulin analogues) 465 411 418 363 359 311 29% Human insulins *** 432 421 472 443 442 446 -2% Insulin-related sales *** 59 56 57 53 54 51 8% Oral antidiabetic products (OAD) 71 70 68 69 65 64 10% DIABETES CARE TOTAL 1,027 958 1,015 928 920 872 11% NovoSeven(R) 203 189 197 186 202 170 0% Growth hormone therapy 124 105 121 110 118 95 5% Hormone replacement therapy 56 54 61 51 53 50 4% Other products 9 10 12 9 10 13 8% BIOPHARMACEUTICALS TOTAL 392 358 391 356 383 328 2% Sales by geographic segments: Europe ** 542 527 538 515 523 475 3% North America 460 431 467 411 398 370 15% International Operations ** 262 228 227 206 221 217 19% Japan & Oceania 155 131 174 153 162 137 -5% Segment operating profit: Diabetes care 215 167 161 173 200 134 7% Biopharmaceuticals 162 145 122 162 153 118 6% *) For Q2 2007 the exact numbers of 'Average number of shares outstanding' and 'Average number of shares outstanding incl dilutive effect of options 'in the money" are 317,881,015 and 320,072,198 respectively. **) Comparative figures from 2006 have been adjusted in order to reflect a changed organisational structure from 1 January 2007 which transfers eight countries, incl. Bulgaria and Romania, from International Operations to Europe. ***) As from Q2 2007 sales figures for Human insulins and Insulin-related sales are presented separately. Comparative figures are adjusted accordingly. THE NOVO NORDISK GROUP CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT H1 H1 Q2 Q2 DKK million 2007 2006 2007 2006 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales 20,381 18,673 10,563 9,727 Cost of goods sold 4,678 4,667 2,358 2,252 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GROSS PROFIT 15,703 14,006 8,205 7,475 Sales and distribution costs 6,158 5,578 3,110 2,850 Research and development costs 3,401 2,917 1,754 1,498 Administrative expenses 1,208 1,137 594 557 Licence fees and other operating income (net) 198 135 60 59 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPERATING PROFIT 5,134 4,509 2,807 2,629 Share of profit/(loss) in associated companies 1,290 (118) 1,350 (58) Financial income 606 213 297 102 Financial expenses 262 384 60 182 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PROFIT BEFORE INCOME TAXES 6,768 4,220 4,394 2,491 Income taxes 1,407 1,266 742 748 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET PROFIT 5,361 2,954 3,652 1,743 BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (DKK) 16.87 9.14 11.49 5.40 DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (DKK) 16.76 9.09 11.41 5.37 SEGMENT SALES: Diabetes care 14,795 13,372 7,652 6,868 Biopharmaceuticals 5,586 5,301 2,911 2,859 SEGMENT OPERATING PROFIT: Diabetes care 2,847 2,488 1,600 1,490 Operating margin 19.2% 18.6% 20.9% 21.7% Biopharmaceuticals 2,287 2,021 1,207 1,139 Operating margin 40.9% 38.1% 41.5% 39.8% CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DKK million 30 JUN 2007 31 Dec 2006 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS Intangible assets 735 639 Property, plant and equipment 20,372 20,350 Investments in associated companies 2,105 788 Deferred income tax assets 2,015 1,911 Other financial assets 155 169 TOTAL LONG-TERM ASSETS 25,382 23,857 Inventories 8,941 8,400 Trade receivables 6,043 5,163 Tax receivables 334 385 Other receivables 2,046 1,784 Marketable securities and financial derivatives 1,725 1,833 Cash at bank and in hand 3,829 3,270 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 22,918 20,835 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL ASSETS 48,300 44,692 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EQUITY AND LIABILITIES Share capital 647 674 Treasury shares (11) (39) Retained earnings 32,109 28,810 Other comprehensive income 730 677 TOTAL EQUITY 33,475 30,122 Long-term debt 1,162 1,174 Deferred income tax liabilities 1,824 1,998 Provision for pensions 407 330 Other provisions 886 911 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL LONG-TERM LIABILITIES 4,279 4,413 Short-term debt and financial derivatives 97 338 Trade payables 1,597 1,712 Tax payables 1,285 788 Other liabilities 5,032 4,863 Other provisions 2,535 2,456 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 10,546 10,157 TOTAL LIABILITIES 14,825 14,570 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 48,300 44,692 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NOVO NORDISK GROUP CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES DKK million H1 2007 H1 2006 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NET PROFIT 5,361 2,954 Adjustment for non-cash items 390 2,651 Income taxes paid and net interest received 249 (877) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CASH FLOW BEFORE CHANGE IN WORKING CAPITAL 6,000 4,728 Net change in working capital (2,011) (869) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 3,989 3,859 Net investments in intangible assets and long-term financial assets (111) (180) Capital expenditure for property, plant and equipment (952) (1,217) Net change in marketable securities (maturity exceeding three months) 4 511 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (1,059) (886) CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 2,124) (2,463) NET CASH FLOW 806 510 Unrealised gain/(loss) on exchange rates and marketable securities included in cash and cash equivalents (19) (25) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 787 485 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 2,985 2,483 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF THE PERIOD 3,772 2,968 Bonds with original term to maturity exceeding three months 994 999 Undrawn committed credit facilities 7,442 7,459 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FINANCIAL RESOURCES AT THE END OF THE PERIOD 12,208 11,426 Cash flow from operating activities 3,989 3,859 + Net cash used in investing activities (1,059) (886) - Net change in marketable securities (maturity exceeding three months) 4 511 FREE CASH FLOW 2,926 2,462 THE NOVO NORDISK GROUP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY Other comprehensive income --------------------------- Deferred Exchange gain/loss rate on cash Other DKK million Share Treasury Retained adjust- flow adjust- capital shares earnings ments hedges ments TOTAL ---------------------------------------------------------------- H1 2007 Balance at the beginning of the year 674 (39) 28,810 156 420 101 30,122 Exchange rate adjustment of investments in subsidiaries 79 79 Deferred (gain)/loss on cash flow hedges at the beginning of the year recognised in the Income statement for the period (420) (420) Deferred gain/(loss) on cash flow hedges at the end of the period 370 370 Other adjustments 24 24 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income recognised directly in equity - - - 79 (50) 24 53 Net profit for the period 5,361 5,361 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total income for the period - - 5,361 79 (50) 24 5,414 Share-based payment 54 54 Purchase of treasury shares (79) (79) Sale of treasury shares 1 184 185 Reduction of the B share capital (27) 27 - Dividends (2,221) 2,221) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AT THE END OF THE PERIOD 647 (11) 32,109 235 370 125 33,475 H1 2006 Balance at the beginning of the year 709 (61) 26,962 142 (345) 227 27,634 Exchange rate adjustment of investments in subsidiaries (6) (6) Deferred (gain)/loss on cash flow hedges at the beginning of the year recognised in the Income statement for the period 345 345 Deferred gain/(loss) on cash flow hedges at the end of the period 367 367 Other adjustments (26) (26) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income recognised directly in equity - - - (6) 712 (26) 680 Net profit for the period 2,954 2,954 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total income for the period - - 2,954 (6) 712 (26) 3,634 Share-based payment 51 51 Purchase of treasury shares (3) (576) (579) Sale of treasury shares 1 112 113 Reduction of the B share capital (35) 35 - Dividends (1,945) (1,945) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AT THE END OF THE PERIOD 674 (28) 27,558 136 367 201 28,908 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf of the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Date: AUGUST 07 2007 NOVO NORDISK A/S --------------------------------------------------- Lars Rebien Sorensen, President and Chief Executive Officer