title: [Global health--the ethical responsibility of the pharmaceutical industry].
abstract: Health is a global concern and all stakeholders in society--including the pharmaceutical industry--have an ethical responsibility to contribute to promote health. At Novo Nordisk, we have decided to focus on defeating diabetes since this is the area where the company can make the biggest difference. Financial viability goes hand in hand with environmental and social responsibility, not only in the external stakeholder dialogue, but also in the quest for attraction and retention of the best possible staff. Examples of the ethical obligations of a pharmaceutical company are presented, as are classical dilemmas faced by the industry.
authors.affiliation: Novo Nordisk A/S, Bagsvaerd. mkt@novonordisk.com
authors.forename: Lars Christian
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Lassen
authors.forename: Mads Krogsgaard
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Thomsen
mesh_terms: D003906:Developing Countries; D016527:Drug Costs; D004345:Drug Industry / Q000191:economics / Q000941:ethics*; D014943:Global Health; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D011634:Public Health / Q000191:economics / Q000941:ethics*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors