Novo Nordisk Doubles Clinical Research Investment, Shaping the Future from Turkey

Global healthcare company Novo Nordisk, which holds a leading position in diabetes and obesity treatment through its innovative therapies, is building tomorrow's treatments today through clinical research conducted in Turkey and worldwide. Novo Nordisk's clinical studies in Turkey continue to expand with a regional centre structure covering seven countries. In 2024, Novo Nordisk doubled its investments in clinical studies conducted in Turkey compared to the previous year. Turkey plays a strategic role in clinical research both in terms of scientific production and patient access.

Healthcare company Novo Nordisk, with over 100 years of global history and 30 years of operations in Turkey, made announcements as part of World Clinical Research Day on 20 May. Through both regional clinical studies conducted in Turkey and global R&D strategies, Novo Nordisk continues its scientific leadership in combating serious chronic diseases.

Turkey as Novo Nordisk's Clinical Research Hub
Novo Nordisk's positioning of Turkey as one of its Clinical Research Regional Centres in 2018 transformed Turkey from a mere implementer into a regional coordination point. Today, this Turkey-based structure coordinates clinical research in a total of 7 countries including Algeria, Morocco, Lebanon, Egypt, Oman and Saudi Arabia. The regional centre structure operates as a result of experienced teams in Turkey, operational infrastructure and working standards compatible with international research.

As of 2024, 23 internationally qualified clinical studies are being conducted in Turkey alone with 570 physicians and 462 patients. Over the last 5 years, this number has reached a total of 822 physicians and 1,838 patients. Through these studies, Novo Nordisk provides patients with early access to the most advanced treatments, while enabling healthcare professionals to gain early patient experience with innovative medicines.

Major R&D Investment: Foundation of Scientific Growth
Novo Nordisk allocates approximately 16% of global sales to R&D annually, positioning itself as one of the world's most investing companies in this field. Investments in Turkey are part of this growth. In 2024, Novo Nordisk doubled its investments in clinical studies conducted in Turkey compared to the previous year. 

Novo Nordisk's research conducted in Turkey encompasses diabetes, obesity and rare diseases, as well as areas with high unmet treatment needs such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), Alzheimer's and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (MASH).

Dr. Ömer Buğra Bahadır, Senior Director of Clinical, Medical and Regulatory Affairs at Novo Nordisk Turkey, stated: "Clinical research means not only developing new medicines, but also offering hope to a broader patient population. Our clinical research infrastructure in Turkey contributes both to scientific production at international standards and to the domestic healthcare ecosystem. We will continue to provide sustainable solutions in healthcare by placing science at the centre of our work."

Building the Future Through Global Partnerships: Septerna Collaboration
One of the steps strengthening Novo Nordisk's scientific power was the strategic partnership with Septerna, which was recently announced and is part of R&D collaborations and strategic investments carried out by the company in recent years. This agreement aims to develop oral small molecule medicines for treatment of cardiometabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes in particular.

Septerna's expertise in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) combined with Novo Nordisk's leadership in the field of metabolic diseases enables joint research on multiple candidate molecules targeting GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors. Novo Nordisk is committing an investment of USD 2.2 billion under this partnership.

A Future That Grows With Science
Today Novo Nordisk reaches over 10,600 researchers and more than 39,000 patients through 195 clinical studies conducted in 60 countries. Turkey, as an important part of this structure, holds a strategic position not only regionally but also in the development of global health solutions.

Through clinical research, Novo Nordisk not only develops new treatments but also brings disease-modifying solutions to society, continuing to build a healthier future through science.