Public policy activities

Public policy is a term used to describe the laws, decisions, regulations etc of a governmental body. Individuals, organisations and companies seek their democratic right to voice concerns, reflect their individual or collective interests and thereby influence public policy. Such activities are often referred to as lobbying, a term often associated with undue influence and the favouring of narrow self-interest over societal goals. Recent cases in the US of the abuse of power and even alleged criminal activity among some corporate lobbyists have intensified the debate, with some stakeholders calling for stronger regulation of lobbying as well as greater transparency, including that companies should demonstrate that their public policy positions are consistent with their values.

However, a growing number of companies assert that their lobbying or government affairs activities - while primarily a legitimate business activity that promotes their commercial interests and those of their shareholders - can also be a force for good and contribute to broader social, environmental or economic goals.

To address this trust gap, the idea of responsible lobbying has recently emerged, characterised by greater openness, consistency and accountability regarding corporate activities and positions on public policy.

Novo Nordisk supports the principle of responsible lobbying and the adoption of practices and policies encouraging greater openness, transparency and accountability within corporate public policy activities. We believe that our government affairs activities can be a force for good in achieving goals in support of sustainable development. Cases of poor conduct within lobbying do not reflect Novo Nordisk's own activities, undermine public support and trust in an important and legitimate activity, and are thus detrimental to the interests of the wider business community.

Within our own public policy or government affairs, which are conducted throughout the world, Novo Nordisk works to ensure that the voice of the company, its employees and the people whose healthcare needs we serve is heard in the public policy arena. This includes supporting the company's products and services and other areas that are vital to the company's long-term commercial interests. For example, Novo Nordisk takes an active stand in the democratic debate on issues such as stem cell research, animal welfare, human rights, corporate governance, responsible business practices, funding of scientific research, access to health, and disease prevention. Novo Nordisk's public positions can be found here. 

In addition, Novo Nordisk seeks influence through membership of industry associations, international networks, local business organisations and other third-party alliances. The company has a long tradition of partnerships, eg in medical research.

Novo Nordisk does not support any political party, financially or otherwise.

In 2005 Novo Nordisk supported a report by the Institute of Social and Ethical Accountability, more widely known as AccountAbility, entitled Towards Responsible Lobbying, which was written in close collaboration with the United Nations Global Compact. Novo Nordisk is featured as one of the case studies in the report.

Novo Nordisk considers lobbying to be a business-critical activity. Given the declining public trust in standards of corporate conduct, it is important to counter the examples of those who abuse the system. The company therefore supports the trend towards greater accountability and transparency in lobbying, which is necessary to maintain and build trust, and the company will play its part in demonstrating the value of lobbying and advocacy when conducted responsibly.

Novo Nordisk works together with governments and other partners to improve diabetes care, using our expertise and competence in diabetes to address the barriers to better care. Examples of the company's engagement with politicians, regulators and other officials include: 

• Oxford Health Alliance, which aims to raise awareness and change behaviours and policies regarding chronic disease prevention [link to OxHa] 
• The World Diabetes Foundation, an independent, non-profit foundation created by Novo Nordisk to address diabetes in the developing world  
• DAWN, a global initiative to overcome the psychosocial barriers to effective self-management of diabetes
• EU Diabetes Week meetings: together with other stakeholders, holding annual meetings in Brussels to engage EU officials in awareness-raising and policy discussions. 
• Active support of the initiative, led by the International Diabetes Federation, for a Proclamation of a United Nations Resolution on Diabetes to be declared on World Diabetes Day, 14 November 2007. One of the main objectives of the initiative is to raise awareness of diabetes. Novo Nordisk has taken on several responsibilities, including involving young people in being Youth Ambassadors for the UN Resolution 
• African Declaration of Diabetes: Novo Nordisk is actively supporting a joint WHO/IDF initiative to develop this Declaration with a view to focusing attention on diabetes and inspiring governments and other stakeholders to take action.

Novo Nordisk established its largest government affairs office in Washington, DC in 2005. It employs four full-time professional staff who work with federal and state policymakers. This office works towards the company's business goals of coverage and reimbursement of products but has a primary focus to raise awareness among policymakers of the need to make changes in the healthcare system in order to improve diabetes prevention, detection, treatment and care. In the spirit of the Novo Nordisk culture, the office promotes a patient focus designed to dramatically improve diabetes outcomes in the US.

A key objective of the Government Affairs office is to place Novo Nordisk squarely in the middle of the diabetes public policy decision-making. Some of the key 2005 achievements included: 

• Helping to ensure the coverage of insulin devices under the Medicare Part D programme starting 1 January 2006. Medicare is the government assistance programme for people over age 65 
• Working with the Medicare programme to promote a preventive service that allows for diabetes detection screening 
• Becoming a key partner with the National Governor's Association (NGA) Healthy State's initiative to fight obesity and diabetes - the number one project of NGA Chair Governor Mike Huckabee (R-AR) 
• Providing a strong public policy element in the US National Changing Diabetes Program

The Government Affairs office will continue to work to increase the company's voice among Congressional leaders and the executive branch to elevate diabetes on the national agenda.

Europe

• European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations  (EFPIA)
• Emerging Biopharmaceutical Enterprises  (EBE)
• The Danish Association of Biotechnology Industries  (Dansk Biotek)
• The Danish Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry  (Lif)
• Medicon Valley Academy

• BIO (drugs and biologics)
• PhRMA  (drugs)
• ADVAMED  (devices)
• Center for Health Transformation  (Newt Gingrich)
• HINJ (Health Institute of New Jersey)
• NAM (National Association of Manufacturers)
• OFII  (Organization for International Investment)

Novo Nordisk believes that engaging responsibly in public policy matters offers significant opportunity for enhancing a company's positive impact on society, including advancing the goals of sustainable development. It also gives business and NGOs a chance to go beyond the issues and to help strengthen the capacity of governments to deliver public policy. It can also build successful long-term relationships with the public sector as well as civil society. Engaging responsibly is in line with the company's values and is vital for maintaining the trust of key stakeholder groups and the public.

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.