INDUO® SYSTEM IS INTRODUCED TO HELP IMPROVE DIABETES MANAGEMENT
--The World's First Combined Insulin Doser and Blood Glucose Monitor--

Milpitas, CA, March 4, 2002 - A new device that combines blood glucose monitoring and insulin delivery and is designed to help people better manage their diabetes has been introduced by LifeScan, a Johnson & Johnson company, and Novo Nordisk A/S. Recently cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the InDuo® System combines into one compact and discreet device two of the daily activities that are essential for many people with diabetes -- blood glucose monitoring and insulin delivery.

This first-of-its-kind system is designed to offer assistance with achieving good blood glucose control, a vital component in managing diabetes. For many people with this disease, regular blood glucose monitoring and injecting the appropriate amount of insulin at the right time can be difficult. Also, for those newly diagnosed with diabetes, learning about and following through with both blood glucose monitoring and insulin injection can be a daunting process.

The InDuo System was designed to help solve those problems. As a combined insulin doser and blood glucose monitor, the InDuo System offers insulin users the opportunity to make more informed dosing decisions with the benefit of blood glucose test results. The system is also conveniently small and discreet, making it easy to use anywhere, anytime.

Choosing the right system may be critical in patients complying with the recommendations of their health care professionals. In a recent product handling study¹, more than four out of five patients (81%) preferred the integrated InDuo System to the non-integrated blood glucose meter and insulin delivery system they were currently using. The reason most often cited for preferring (more) the InDuo System was that it was "all in one." In addition, more than half the patients (55%) reported that they had at times tested their blood glucose levels less frequently than recommended. Of these patients, more than half (53%) indicated that an integrated system such as the InDuo System would lead to more frequent testing.

The InDuo System combines the latest technology pioneered by LifeScan and Novo Nordisk, coupling the best features of a state-of-the-art blood glucose monitor and a state-of-the-art insulin injection device. The new system offers less painful blood glucose testing, requiring such a tiny drop of blood (1 microliter) that it allows people to test on the arm² , where there are fewer nerve endings than in the fingertips. It also provides clinically accurate test results in just five seconds. Additionally, the InDuo System remembers the amount of insulin injected at the last dosing as well as the time elapsed since that dosing, which can relieve the concern many users feel when they forget whether or not they've taken their last dose. The InDuo System also helps build user confidence, as it is easy to dial the correct amount of insulin and inject the dosage required. The system is used with OneTouch® Ultra® Test Strips from LifeScan, and PenFill® 3 mL insulin cartridges with either NovoLog® or Novolin® insulin from Novo Nordisk.

"Studies have shown that by testing and controlling blood glucose, people with diabetes can reduce their risk of eye, nerve and kidney damage by up to 60 percent," said Robert Coradini, President of LifeScan. "We are very happy to be introducing with Novo Nordisk our first jointly developed product aimed at helping people better manage their diabetes."

"With traditional syringes, patients may make mistakes in insulin administration," said Martin Soeters, President of Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "Such errors include self-mixing and dose selection mistakes, as well as the incorrect administration of insulin. With insulin delivery devices such as the InDuo System, these errors are less likely to occur."

Patients should ask their health care professional whether the InDuo System is right for them. For more information about the InDuo System, visit www.InDuo.com or call the InDuo® System U.S. customer service line at 1 877 520-9056.

LifeScan, a leading maker of blood glucose monitoring products, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with diabetes. More diabetes specialists and pharmacists recommend the company's OneTouch® Systems than any other brand. Everyday, more than three million people rely on OneTouch Systems for simple testing and accurate results. For healthcare (more) professional resources, and information on diabetes care and LifeScan products and services, visit www.LifeScan.com.

Novo Nordisk is a focused healthcare company. It is the world leader in diabetes care with the broadest diabetes product portfolio in the industry, including the most advanced products within the area of insulin delivery systems. With headquarters in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 14,000 people in 68 countries and markets its products in 179 countries. Novo Nordisk's B shares are listed on the stock exchanges in Copenhagen and London. Its ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'NVO.' For further company information visit www.novonordisk.com.

¹ Novo Nordisk & LifeScan data on file. Study ID: InDuo® patient handling and required level of instruction study, n=151

² Users should read the InDuo® System Owner's Booklet and talk to their health care professional before beginning to test on the arm.

(This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that are subject to the risks and uncertainties which could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from these statements. Risks and uncertainties include general industry and market conditions; general domestic and international economic conditions, such as interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; technological advances and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approvals; domestic and foreign healthcare reform; trends toward managed care and healthcare cost containment, and governmental laws and regulations affecting domestic and foreign operations. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Cautionary Statement filed as an Exhibit to Johnson & Johnson's report on Form 10K for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2000, and in Novo Nordisk's report on Form 20F for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2000. Copies of the Form 10K from Johnson & Johnson and the Form 20F from Novo-Nordisk are available on request. The companies disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.)

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