Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk is ramping up its presence in China, with billions invested over the past two years to meet rising healthcare demands and expand its full value chain operations.
China's biopharmaceutical sector is seeing a wave of foreign investment, with global healthcare leaders zeroing in on the country's growing demand for innovative medicines. Among them, Denmark-based Novo Nordisk stands out as an ambitious competitor, having announced significant expansions in China.
In 2024, the company committed approximately 4 billion yuan (560 million U.S. dollars) to its site in Tianjin Municipality. This July, it followed up with another 800 million yuan investment to expand its quality control laboratory at the same facility, proof of Novo Nordisk's long-term commitment to the market.
"China has a huge medical need when it comes to chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity. For a company like Novo, that comes with opportunities, but also the big responsibilities," said Helge Lund, chairman of Novo Nordisk.
China's government has ramped up efforts to open the biopharmaceutical sector, as outlined in its Action Plan for Stabilizing Foreign Investment in 2025, which includes initiatives to facilitate the launch of innovative drugs and revise policies for greater sector openness.
Lund praised these efforts, underscoring China's long-term health strategies.
"We really applaud the strong objectives, the clear targets, the good plans, and the actions that the Chinese government [is taking to deal with the chronic diseases,] such as the Healthy Initiative 2030 that the government is leading. And as a long-term partner, Novo Nordisk would like to continue to contribute into that challenge. We have been in China for more than 30 years. We have a full value chain including research and development, innovation, manufacturing as well as commercial operations," he said.
As China continues its path toward modernization, Lund underscored the potential for greater collaboration. Novo Nordisk, he emphasized, will continue to focus on innovation and partnerships in China to create shared success and help address pressing public health needs.
Danish pharmaceutical giant deepens investment in China, targeting chronic disease
