Novo Nordisk Finalizes Layoffs for 5,000 Employees in Denmark

Layoff Process Concludes in Denmark

Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company, has officially completed the layoff process for all 5,000 employees based in Denmark. The confirmation came on November 3, 2025, from CEO Maziar Mike Doustdar, marking the conclusion of the company's nationwide workforce reduction that commenced in September.

This significant reduction in the Danish workforce represents approximately 14.8% of Novo Nordisk's employees in its home country. The layoffs in Denmark are part of a larger global restructuring initiative that will see a total of 9,000 jobs cut worldwide. The initial announcement of these global job cuts was made on September 10, 2025, with the notification process for affected employees in various locations beginning around October 14, 2025.

Strategic Restructuring Amidst Market Shifts

The extensive layoffs are a direct response to a challenging and evolving market landscape, particularly within the diabetes and obesity sectors. According to company statements, the restructuring aims to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and reallocate resources towards key growth areas. CEO Maziar Mike Doustdar, who assumed his role in August 2025, emphasized the need for the company to evolve, stating, 'Our markets are evolving, particularly in obesity, as it has become more competitive and consumer-driven. Our company must evolve as well.'

The company's rapid expansion, which saw its workforce nearly double from 43,260 in 2019 to 77,350 by 2023, led to increased organizational complexity and costs. The restructuring is projected to generate annual savings of approximately 8 billion Danish kroner (around $1.25 billion to $1.3 billion) by the end of 2026. These savings are intended to be reinvested into research and development, commercial capabilities, and manufacturing ramp-up, particularly for its flagship products like Wegovy and Ozempic.

Addressing Competition and Future Focus

A primary driver behind the job cuts is the intensifying competition in the global obesity drug market, notably from rivals such as Eli Lilly and the proliferation of compounded GLP-1 drugs. The company has faced decelerating sales growth and revised profit forecasts, prompting the need for a more agile and performance-driven culture. Former CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen had previously hinted at unavoidable cost-cutting measures in August 2025.

While the layoffs impact various departments, including human resources, clinical development, and marketing, the company has stated that manufacturing and production divisions will not be immediately affected, ensuring the stability of existing drug supply chains. This restructuring, considered one of the largest layoffs in Danish history, underscores Novo Nordisk's strategic pivot to maintain its leadership in diabetes and obesity care amidst a highly competitive environment.