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GMOs in contained production

The GMOs are handled under contained conditions and only GMOs classified as Class 1 are used in our production of pharmaceuticals. Class 1 is the lowest risk category, covering GMOs which have no know adverse effect to human health or the external environment.

Novo Nordisk' production is based on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in a contained environment. This means that all substances and fluids containing GMOs are kept in closed pipes and tanks throughout the entire production

The cells and micro-organisms expressing the genes coding for a particular protein, are in most cases secreting the protein (pharmaceutical products). The GMOs are grown in large-scale growth facilities for production (fermentation tanks). The product is subsequently separated from the cells and transferred into the final recovery and purification process.


Novo Nordisk products do not contain GMOs or gene fragments

The main raw materials used in our closed fermentation tanks are water, nutrients and sugar. During the recovery and purification processes, we use organic chemicals (such as ethanol), inorganic chemicals such as acids, bases and salts, and filter materials such as kieselgel. Some of the processes include antibody affinity purification of the pharmaceutical product, and enzymatic maturation is applied in our insulin production. Novo Nordisk products do not contain GMOs or gene fragments.

Reduced consumption of water, energy and raw materials

Over the years, we have developed new insulins based on a new yeast strain producing more products for each yeast cell. This has helped us substantially reduce the consumption of water, energy and raw materials per produced unit.

Reuse of waste without GMOs

The main waste product is a nutrient-rich organic material known as yeast sludge, which is recycled either as pig feed or as raw material for biogas generation.