Novo Nordisk to Cut 9,000 Jobs in Global Restructuring

Lead Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk announced on 10 September 2025 that it will eliminate about 9,000 positions worldwide to streamline its organization and refocus resources on diabetes and obesity growth opportunities.

Nut Graf The workforce reduction, representing roughly 11.5% of its global staff, underscores the company’s response to slowing profit growth, rising competition and supply-chain challenges. Chief Executive Mike Doustdar framed the cuts as necessary to sharpen decision-making and fund future innovation.

Transformation and Job Cuts

• Approximately 5,000 roles to be cut in Denmark, with the remainder distributed across global sites.
• Affected functions include staff areas and headquarters support roles.

Financial Impact

• One-time restructuring charge of DKK 8 billion (approximately $1.26 billion) booked in Q3 2025.
• Annualized savings of DKK 8 billion targeted by end-2026.
• Full-year operating profit growth outlook revised down to 4-10% at constant exchange rates, from prior guidance of 10-16%.

Strategic Rationale

• Enhance speed and agility in decision-making across diabetes and obesity business units.
• Reallocate capital toward R&D programs and commercial execution in core therapy areas.
• Respond to intensified competition from Eli Lilly and the proliferation of compounded GLP-1 copycat products in key markets.

Next Steps

• Communications with affected employees to begin immediately, following local labor regulations.
• Further organizational focus and cost-efficiency initiatives to be unveiled alongside Q3 results on 5 November.
• Continued investment in manufacturing capacity and scientific innovation to support long-term growth.