Novo Nordisk's first nine months 2010 sales grew 17%, beating forecasts, driven by Victoza, NovoRapid and Levemir; NICE backs Victoza

Danish insulin and diabetes drug major Novo Nordisk (NVO.N) reported results for the first nine months of 2010, showing that sales were 19.47 billion Danish kroner ($3.63 billion), up 17% in kroner terms and 12% higher measured in local currencies, driven primarily by better-than-expected sales of its new diabetes drug Victoza (liraglutide), Levemir (insulin detemir) and NovoRapid (insulin aspart). All regions contributed to growth measured in local currencies.

Reported operating profit increased 24% to 14.55 billion kroner. Adjusted for the impact from currencies, operating profit in local currencies increased by around 15%. Net profit increased 24% to 10.46 billion kroner. Earnings per share (diluted) increased 28% to 17.78 kroner.

Raises full year guidance