Novo Nordisk is doubling its investment in clinical research, turning Türkiye into a regional R&D hub. The path to transformation in healthcare runs through science — and Türkiye is now one of its key centers…
Known for developing some of the world’s most innovative treatments for diabetes, obesity, and chronic diseases, Novo Nordisk is taking bold steps in Türkiye with its ambitious R&D vision. As of 2024, the company has doubled its clinical research investments compared to the previous year and established Türkiye not just as a research site, but as a regional coordination and decision-making center for seven countries. This extensive clinical research network, managed from Türkiye, spans Algeria, Morocco, Lebanon, Egypt, Oman, and Saudi Ara- bia — forming a dynamic regional scientific ecosystem. Türkiye has now become a country that not only conducts research, but also leads it.
A strong future by the numbers
In 2024 alone, 23 international clinical trials were conducted in Türkiye with the participation of 570 physicians and 462 patients. Over the past five years, this number has reached a total of 822 physicians and 1,838 patients. These figures are more than just statistics — they represent stories of patients gaining ear-ly access to treatment, physicians deeply engaged in science, and steady progress toward a healthier future. Globally, Novo Nordisk allocates around 16% of its annual revenue to R&D — investing not just in molecules, but in human lives, the capabilities of healthcare professionals, and the advancement of science.
New horizons in chronic diseases
The work of Novo Nordisk Türkiye extends beyond diabetes and obesity. Clinical research is ongoing in many areas that still lack effective treatment options — including rare diseases, cardiovascular conditions, Alzheimer’s disease, and MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis). These studies provide meaningful contributions to the broader healthcare ecosystem. As Dr. Ömer Buğra Bahadır, Senior Director of Clinical, Medical, and Regulatory Affairs at Novo Nordisk Türkiye, puts it: “Clinical research is not only about discovering new medicines — it means more life, and more hope.”
Pushing boundaries through strategic collaborations
Another way to advance science is through powerful partnerships. One such example is Novo Nordisk’s strategic alliance with Septerna. This collaboration focuses on developing oral small molecules through GPCR technologies — particularly targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors to pave the way for next-generation therapies in obesity and type 2 diabetes. With a commitment of $2.2 billion in investment, Novo Nordisk is not just shaping the present but also building the future of healthcare.
Coding the future through science
Currently conducting 195 clinical trials across 60 countries, Novo Nordisk is reaching more than 39,000 patients and 10,600 researchers worldwide. Türkiye stands at the heart of this global network — not only as a hub, but as a guiding force. With its clinical research efforts, Novo Nordisk is not only developing new drugs, but also creating new hope — sending a powerful message from Türkiye to the world for a future shaped by science.
