Novo Nordisk produces insulin, human growth hormone, Factor VIIa and a wide range of industrial enzymes with the help of GMOs - genetically modified (micro)organisms. Novo Nordisk is also involved, through collaborative partnerships, in developing transgenic animals for experimentation purposes and in the longer term perhaps also for the production of complex therapeutic compounds. From where we stand these novel technologies are enabling us to reach our goal of finding better ways to fight the burdens of disease and to provide sustainable biological solutions to industry. However, we realize that the application of these technologies can be controversial and that there are groups in society who deem them unnatural, immoral or dangerous. We have to be receptive to the concerns of society, be prepared to discuss the implications these technologies have on society, and in the end align our efforts in response to the values of our stakeholders. Our stakeholder dialogue, which we have con-ducted for the past seven years, has been invaluable in helping us understand how biotechnology is perceived by society. The Eurobarometer published by the European Commission also gives a useful insight. Values in Action
During 1997, Corporate Management initiated a cross-organizational project called "Values in Action". The project's aim was to review the company's awareness, attitudes and actions in relation to sustainable development and its three focal areas of finance, the environment and social concerns. As part of the project, a bioethics and environment task group was formed with the purpose of strengthening our way of handling bioethical and environmental issues. At Novo Nordisk, bioethics encompasses all ethical issues related to the use of life science technologies for the development and production of biotechnological and pharmaceutical products, including access to genetic resources, conservation of biodiversity, patenting, labelling, animal welfare, and the safe use of biotechnology. The task group will continue its work in 1998 and we will commission an independent third party to review our management practices with regard to bioethical issues. In addition we will develop a model enabling Novo Nordisk to be proactive with regard to bioethical issues. The model will determine bioethical standards and develop tools for monitoring the level of compliance with these. The model will be developed using animal welfare at Novo Nordisk as a pilot study. New 1998 target: Commission a third-party review of our management practices with regard to bioethical issues. New 1998 target: Develop tools for monitoring ourbioethical performance starting with animal welfare at Novo Nordisk. |
