Demands for greater accountability and transparency are rising, with companies expected to show how they ensure ethical considerations in the process of bringing products to market. Healthcare companies hold a unique ethical responsibility by the very nature of their business.
While regulatory authorities monitor that research is conducted in accordance with relevant laws and universal principles, stakeholders also seek reassurance that companies consider any ethical concerns that may emerge. In particular, this is a matter of being respectful of the integrity of people participating in medical studies, animal welfare and culturally founded objections to certain types of research.
Novo Nordisk’s approach
To Novo Nordisk, bioethics is all ethical issues related to the use of life science technologies for the development and production of biotechnological and pharmaceutical products.
This comprises three distinct, but interrelated areas:
animal ethics: the welfare of experimental animals
medical ethics: ethical conduct of clinical trials, access to genetic resources, patenting and benefit sharing
environmental ethics: safe application of gene technology
In general, Novo Nordisk subscribes to the basic bioethical principles of not doing harm and doing good by demonstrating the benefits of respect and justice. We support the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity and subscribe to the Helsinki Declaration.
The work in this field is governed by the Environment and Bioethics Committee, chaired by Lise Kingo, Executive Vice President, people, relations and reputation. Corporate principles for the use of animals and for clinical studies are part of the internal management systems and communicated to Novo Nordisk employees as well as to research partners.
Bioethics Policy
In Novo Nordisk we will continuously improve our bioethical performance.
This means that we will:
Promote bioethical awareness throughout the company
Establish and ensure high ethical standards for:
Experiments on living animals
Clinical trials and use of human material
Gene technology
Set high ethical standards for our external partners, contract research organisations and suppliers and monitor their performance
Engage in stakeholder dialogue and partnerships, and report on our performance
Live up to the spirit, values, principles and content of relevant conventions, laws and requirements.
This page has been assessed by PricewaterhouseCoopers as part of its assessment of Novo Nordisk’s statement that it reports ‘in accordance’ with GRI. Please refer to Audit and assurance for a full description of the nature of assurance offered.
