Novo Nordisk opens Czech plant for diabetes and obesity drugs

Danish pharmaceutical group Novo Nordisk is investing several billion Czech crowns to launch a new manufacturing site in the Central Bohemian town of Jevany. The plant, bought from Novavax for about 5 billion CZK, will produce active ingredients for next‑generation GLP‑1 medicines that treat diabetes and obesity. The opening ceremony on 12 June will be attended by Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and Novo Nordisk CEO Mike Doustdar. The expansion comes as the market for obesity drugs, driven by products such as Wegovy, Ozempic and Eli Lilly’s retatrutide, is projected to exceed $150 billion a year, intensifying competition for supply and manufacturing capacity.

Analysts note that the new facility will help secure Novo Nordisk’s position in this fast‑growing segment and address recent supply shortages in Europe and the United States.