For that purpose Novo Nordisk A/S has appointed J. P. Morgan Securities Ltd. as lead manager to independently and without influence from Novo Nordisk execute the programme. The purpose of the programme is reduction of the company's share capital. Under the agreement, J. P. Morgan Securities Ltd. will repurchase shares on behalf of Novo Nordisk A/S for an amount of up to DKK 2.4 billion during the trading period starting 10 August 2009 and ending on 18 December 2009. A maximum of 151,599 shares can be bought during one single trading day, equal to 15% of the average daily trading volume of Novo Nordisk B shares on NASDAQ OMX Copenhagen during the month of July 2009, and a maximum of 14,401,905 shares in total can be bought during the trading period. At least once every seven trading days, Novo Nordisk will issue an announcement in respect of the transactions made under the repurchase programme.

Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company and a world leader in diabetes care. In addition, Novo Nordisk has a leading position within areas such as haemostasis management, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. Novo Nordisk manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and services that make a significant difference to patients, the medical profession and society. With headquarters in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs more than 27,900 employees in 81 countries, and markets its products in 179 countries. Novo Nordisk's B shares are listed on the stock exchanges in Copenhagen and London. Its ADRs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'NVO'. For more information, visit novonordisk.com.