The obesity research unit will be co-located with the Novo Nordisk type 1 diabetes research unit at the company’s research centre in Seattle, which opened in 2009.
The new unit is a result of Novo Nordisk’s increasing focus on treatment of obesity with the aim to identify novel approaches and targets for obesity treatments while increasing the scientific understanding of existing obesity targets, according to a statement.
“Our ambition is to drive scientific progress in the obesity disease area and through this identify and develop new treatment options for people with obesity,” said Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, executive vice president and chief science officer at Novo Nordisk.
Dr Kevin Grove will be head of the new unit in Seattle.
“I’m looking forward to leading the Novo Nordisk Obesity Research Unit in Seattle and gather a team of preeminent researchers within the obesity and endocrinology field. We have a real opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the management of this disease that impacts so many people globally”, said Dr Kevin Grove.
Initially, the unit will employ approximately 10 people, states Novo Nordisk. When fully operational by the end of 2016, the unit is expected to employ around 60 employees.
