Novo Nordisk Ends Cell Therapy Research Amid Major Restructuring

Novo Nordisk has abruptly terminated all cell therapy programs, including research targeting diabetes, heart failure, and Parkinson's disease1 3 7.

The company is eliminating about 250 jobs directly connected to its cell therapy unit1 7.

This move is part of a broader restructuring effort led by new CEO Mike Doustdar and targets approximately $1.3 billion in annual cost savings by 20261 3.

Key partnerships related to cell therapy, such as a $598 million cardio cell therapy agreement, have been cancelled1.

Novo Nordisk intends to redirect resources and focus on its core areas of diabetes and obesity treatments, shifting away from high-risk innovation projects2 1.

The restructuring includes plans to reduce the global workforce by about 9,000 roles out of 78,400, with around 5,000 job cuts in Denmark alone2 6.

The company expects one-off restructuring costs of approximately DKK 8 billion (about $1.15 billion), and has updated its 2025 profit outlook, anticipating 4–10% operating profit growth at constant exchange rates2.

Industry analysts note these actions come as the biopharma sector faces rising R&D costs and impending patent expirations, compelling firms to balance fiscal discipline and the pressure for innovation1.

Novo Nordisk risks ceding ground in transformative diabetes treatments to rival companies, as competitors like Eli Lilly and Novartis intensify their cell and gene therapy strategies1.