Biopharmaceuticals Research Unit (BRU)
Making a difference in haemophilia, growth disorders, and inflammation
Our focus
In the Biopharmaceuticals Research Unit (BRU), we apply protein expertise and disease understanding to the discovery and development of innovative therapies and dosing formulations for the following therapy areas: Haemophilia; growth disorders; and autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions.
BRU is a global organisation
Denmark: About 500 employees work with biopharmaceutical research at Novo Nordisk. Our main site is in Copenhagen where pharmacology and part of the biotechnology and biology areas are located.
China: In 2002, Novo Nordisk established the R&D site in Beijing, China, becoming the first international pharmaceutical company to build R&D facilities in China. Our site there is rapidly becoming a centre of excellence in molecular biology, protein chemistry, and cell biology in the region.
USA: In 2009, we inaugurated the Novo Nordisk Inflammation Research Center (NNIR) in Seattle, Washington, in order to strengthen our pipeline within chronic inflammation in autoimmune diseases.
BRU partners for success
To establish leadership in our key therapy areas, we invest in drug discovery and development, aim to employ the best in the industry and collaborate with global experts from the leading research institutions within our focus areas.
We continuously and systematically monitor external drug candidates for potential in-licensing or partnership development agreements.
Haemophilia
We began research and development in haemophilia over 20 years ago to improve treatment of haemophilia patients with inhibitors. The result was NovoSeven®, an innovation that remains the only recombinant treatment available for this condition.
Novo Nordisk now aspires for leadership in general haemophilia and is committed to improve treatment for all people with haemophilia, and also to increase access to care. The goal for the Biopharmaceuticals Research Unit is to build the most competitive pipeline within haemophilia to secure our leadership in this treatment area. We will secure Novo Nordisk’s reputation as the innovator among patients and healthcare providers by developing products that makes a significant difference to people with haemophilia.
See our related partnering opportunities in haemophilia
See the status of projects in the R&D haemostasis pipeline
Growth disorders
Novo Nordisk is world leader within growth disorders such as hereditary or acquired GH deficiency (paediatric and adult), small-for-gestational-age, Noonan and Prader-Willi syndromes. We developed the first solution-based growth hormone formulation which is available in a patient-friendly pre-filled device, ready for use and stable at room temperature. We are currently developing a long-acting growth hormone product which will require less frequent injections, thus further improving quality of life by allowing for more convenient and flexible dosing.
See our related partnering opportunities in growth disorders
Autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions
We are developing novel immunotherapies using monoclonal antibody technology with the goal of significantly improving the lives of people with autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and inflammatory bowel disease.
See our related partnering opportunities in inflammation
See the status of projects in the R&D inflammation pipeline
See our R&D pipeline for a status of projects in all areas
