UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 ------------ FORM 6-K ------------ REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 JANUARY 3 2006 ------------ NOVO NORDISK A/S (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) NOVO ALLE DK-2880, BAGSVAERD DENMARK (Address of principal executive offices) ------------ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F Form 20-F [X] Form 40-F [ ] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes [ ] No [X] If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g-32(b):82-_____________________ TREASURY STOCK STATUS RE NOVO NORDISK'S HOLDING OF ITS OWN SHARES (31 DECEMBER 2005) In continuation of the company's announcements dated 30 April 2004 and 28 April 2005 concerning a planned share repurchase programme, and pursuant to Section 204.33 of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual, this is to report that Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE: NVO) and its wholly-owned affiliates on 31 December 2005 owned 30,979,219 of its own B shares of DKK 2, corresponding to a total nominal value of DKK 61,958,438 or 8.73% of the total share capital. In the fourth quarter of 2005 a total of 923,000 B shares were repurchased by Novo Nordisk A/S, and 914,135 B shares were disposed of to employees under a general employee share program and to employees who exercised options granted by Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company and a world leader in diabetes care. The company has the broadest diabetes product portfolio in the industry, including the most advanced products within the area of insulin delivery systems. In addition, Novo Nordisk has a leading position within areas such as haemostasis management, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. Novo Nordisk manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and services that make a significant difference to patients, the medical profession and society. With headquarters in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 21,600 full-time employees in 78 countries, and markets its products in 179 countries. Novo Nordisk's B shares are listed on the stock exchanges in Copenhagen and London. Its ADRs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'NVO'. For more information, visit novonordisk.com. For further information please contact: Media: Investors: Outside North America: Outside North America: Elin K Hansen Mogens Thorsager Jensen Tel: (+45) 4442 3450 Tel: (+45) 4442 7945 Christian Qvist Frandsen Tel: (+45) 4443 5182 In North America: In North America: Susan T Jackson Mads Veggerby Lausten Tel: (+1) 609 919 7776 Tel: (+1) 609 919 7937 Stock Exchange Announcement no 1/2006 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf of the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Date: JANUARY 3 2006 NOVO NORDISK A/S --------------------------------------------------- Lars Rebien Sorensen, President and Chief Executive Officer