Novo Nordisk Increased Net Profit by 3...( Underlying operating profit increased...),Health

Underlying operating profit increased by close to 25% primarily driven by a

13% sales growth in local currencies

PRINCETON, N.J., Jan. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO), a global healthcare company, today released its financial statement for 2007.

-- Sales in local currencies increased by 13% in 2007 and by 8% in Danish

kroner.

* Sales of modern insulins increased by 35% (29% in Danish kroner).

* Sales of NovoSeven(R) increased by 10% (4% in Danish kroner).

* Sales of Norditropin(R) increased by 11% (6% in Danish kroner).

* Sales in North America increased by 22% (12% in Danish kroner).

* Sales in International Operations increased by 18% (12% in Danish

kroner).

-- Gross margin increased to 76.6% in 2007, up from 75.3% in 2006,

primarily reflecting continued productivity improvements.

-- Reported operating profit of USD 1,643 million (2% lower than in 2006)

was impacted by the non-recurring costs of USD 239 million related to

the discontinuation of the inhaled insulin project AERx(R). Adjusted

for these non-recurring costs and the impact from currencies,

underlying operating profit increased by close to 25%.

-- Net profit increased by 32% to USD 1,565 million. Adjusted for both

the non-recurring income from the divestment of Dako's business

activities and the non-recurring costs related to the discontinuation

of AERx(R), net profit increased by 25%. Earnings per share (diluted)

increased by 34% to USD 2.46.

-- At the Annual General Meeting on March 12, 2008, the Board of Directors

will propose a 29% increase in dividend to USD 0.83 per share of DKK 1.

The ongoing share repurchase program has been increased to USD 3.0

billion and is now expected to be finalized before the end of 2009.

-- For 200
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