PRINCETON, N.J., April 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) has awarded Novo Nordisk with their Corporate Leadership Award as recognition for the company's commitment to advancing research and patient care among the bleeding disorder community. The award was received by Jurek Gruhn, President, Novo Nordisk Inc., during the NHF Inaugural Spring Soiree Benefit in New York City on April 7, 2011.

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"We are honored by this recognition and are pleased to support the NHF in its continued efforts to build a national movement toward better patient care in hemophilia," said Eddie Williams, Corporate Vice President of Biopharmaceuticals at Novo Nordisk. "We look forward to many more years of continued research, innovative treatments and initiatives to help improve the lives of patients."

Novo Nordisk is dedicated to making advances in three key areas: strengthening the understanding of hemophilia in the broader society, improving access to diagnosis and patient care, and advancing treatment through innovation.  Novo Nordisk supports a number of patient-focused initiatives, including SevenSecure™ – a unique program offering access to financial, educational and medical support – and provides funding for the Inhibitor Education Summits.

As part of the company’s commitment to the hemophilia community, Novo Nordisk last year supported the NHF-sponsored “Campaign for Our Future,” which seeks to address the needs of patients, scientists and professionals in the field, as well as increase access to care for the bleeding disorder community.

"It is our mission to help those living with bleeding disorders to have access to the necessary treatments and services they deserve," said Val Bias, Chief Executive Officer of the National Hemophilia Foundation.  "We applaud Novo Nordisk for their commitment to improving patient care and ongoing dedication to this important community."

About Novo Nordisk

Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with 87 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. The company also has leading positions within hemophilia care, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. For more information, visit www.novonordisk-us.com.

About the National Hemophilia Foundation

The National Hemophilia Foundation is dedicated to finding better treatments and cures for bleeding and clotting disorders and to preventing the complications of these disorders through education, advocacy and research. Established in 1948, the National Hemophilia Foundation has chapters throughout the country. Its programs and initiatives are made possible through the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations as well as through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

SOURCE Novo Nordisk