Our bioethics policy
Our bioethics policy sets our general operational guidelines and is consistent with our objective: to strive to be economically viable, socially responsible, and environmentally sound by considering each of these elements when making business decisions.
Hanne Bodenhoff and Simone K. Nielsen, Novo Nordisk Denmark
Our bioethics policy states that we:
- Continuously improve our performance
- Promote bioethical awareness in Novo Nordisk
- Operate by high ethical global standards in research involving people, animals, human materials and gene technology
- Require adherence to high ethical standards by our external partners, contract research organisations and suppliers, and monitor their performance
- Engage in stakeholder dialogue and partnerships helping us to deal with ethical dilemmas
- Act in accordance with international conventions
Getting our priorities right
Bioethics governance
As a pharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk faces a number of complex bioethical issues which we take very seriously. Novo Nordisk bioethics is governed in the top of our organisation by R&D Management with Executive Management representation.
We address bioethical issues across the company via integration in standard procedures, processes and decision-making and we have a virtual cross-functional team that drives and proactively addresses arising bioethical dilemmas.
One of the ways Novo Nordisk is committed to sustainability in practice is to have a dedicated and systematic approach to drive and proactively address emerging bioethical dilemmas related to research and development. Internal, a network of researchers and managers prepares and suggests new initiatives, develops and implements new positions and guidelines, and supervises the company's handling of evolving bioethical issues worldwide.
Dialogue and collaboration
Novo Nordisk cooperates with institutions and authorities on guidelines for research, animal experimentation and environmental issues. Furthermore, we contribute to the scientific community by publishing research results and by sharing best practices.
An example is the Novo Nordisk's state-of-the-art housing conditions for laboratory animals shared amongst others at the webpages of The National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research, NC3R, and RSPCA “implementing the 3Rs”.
E-learning tools on ethical decision-making
We also collaborate with external partners to improve the understanding of bioethical dilemmas. In a rewarding partnership with University of Copenhagen, UNESCO, LRN and Responsible Business Solutions, we have developed two innovative, open source e-learning tools, designed to help navigate the uncharted waters and shores of dilemmas.
The e-learning tools target employees and managers in companies, as well as students and organisations worldwide. The tools are generic and applicable within business training, academic teaching, and inter-governmental organisations.
Our bioethics focus areas
