Novo Nordisk uses a broad variety of natural resources in its research and development programmes for new pharmaceuticals and industrial enzymes. Many exciting new products based on natural origins are waiting to be discovered and we are therefore fully aware of the importance of the conservation of global Biodiversity .

We fully support the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). However, more speedy and simple procedures for obtaining access to genetic resources under the CBD provisions are urgently needed, including streamlined processes for obtaining prior informed consent from relevant authorities and communities on mutually agreed terms.

1998 target: Develop corporate requirements for the use of and access to genetic resources in keeping with the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Based on our proactive approach, we have formulated a set of corporate requirements for our use of and access to genetic resources.

In 1998, we initiated registration in our databases of important data in relation to the CBD, and the Novo Nordisk culture collection is presently being updated accordingly.

External contracts aimed at gaining access to genetic resources are being evaluated to ensure compliance with the new company requirements. Negotiations with several governments are presently taking place to obtain final permits on material obtained by Novo Nordisk through third party arrangements.

In 1998, we have also been actively involved in the current debate aimed at implementing the CBD in the best and most flexible way.

The Novo Nordisk guiding principles were presented at the 10th Session of the Global Biodiversity Forum arranged in connection with the 4th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP4) to the Convention held in Bratislava in Slovakia in May 1998. The principles were included in the Danish statement on matters related to benefit sharing at the COP4 meeting.

A critical factor limiting our ability to achieve full compliance with our guiding principles has been the lack of implementation of national CBD procedures.

Within the EU a consensus is emerging among the member states that the region should be considered as one CBD area. This will facilitate close cooperation on biotechnological research and development programmes, many of which are sponsored by the EU. It will also allow the free exchange of genetic material within the single market. Our practice at Novo Nordisk follows this line of thinking.

New 1999-2000 target: Develop procedures for monitoring the implementation of our corporate requirements for the use of and access to genetic resources.

Still early days
The Convention on Biological Diversity is a UN convention which provides an international legal framework for the conservation of global biodiversity, sustainable use of its resources and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.

The Convention came into force in December 1993, and to date legal measures have been initiated by governments in more than 30 providing countries.

The Convention is still only at the implementation phase. To assist implementation it is important that information on legislation and institutions dealing with access issues is made widely available. For our researchers and for our collaborating scientists, it is critical to know whom to contact before entering into collaborations on biodiversity.

An effective system for establishing prior informed consent without too much bureaucracy is essential if providers and users of genetic resources are to cooperate successfully on the implementation of the CBD.

We therefore welcome the decision of the COP4 to establish a panel of experts composed of representatives from the private and the public sectors, as well as indigenous and local communities. This panel will represent various regions and will develop guiding principles, guidelines and codes of best practice for future access and the sharing of benefits.

Who gives consent?
Universities and other institutions are in general keen to establish collaboration on biodiversity. When we first contact them, they are often not aware of the need for prior informed consent from the authorities. It is often difficult for our collaborators to obtain consent because in many countries national policies and access legislation have not been fully established. It is also difficult to identify the authority that can grant access and approve benefit sharing arrangements. We have therefore chosen to place an increasing part of our biodiversity projects in countries where Novo Nordisk has already established an affiliate. This will enable us to have a good dialogue with the relevant authorities of the countries in question and to adjust our actions in accordance with new rules.

Partnerships in several countries
Novo Nordisk has already established collaborations with organizations from different regions of the world involving both monetary and non-monetary benefits to the providing country.

Our collaborations with Indian and Brazilian researchers are two examples. The newly started cooperation with BIOTEC, the National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Thailand, is another. This centre in Bangkok has received official authorization to enter into contracts with foreign companies for the collection of genetic material. This facilitates the drawing up of contracts ensuring rights for both parties. The first PhD student sponsored by our programme has already started her project work in Thailand. In order to ensure the transfer of technology to Thailand, she will be coming to Denmark in the first half of 1999 to carry out part of her PhD studies under the supervision of our scientists.

Read Novo Nordisk's requirements on the use of and access to genetic resources