Denmark’s Economy Runs on Novo. Will the Drugmaker’s Troubles Slim It Down?

Denmark’s status as one of the few countries in Europe with an expanding economy rests in part on the success of its homegrown hero, Novo Nordisk A/S. Thanks to the pharmaceutical giant’s astronomical rise, the country enjoyed growth of 3.5% last year, outpacing most nations in the region. But after a series of stumbles, Novo is struggling to retain its edge in the cutthroat US weight-loss market.

That, in turn, is generating concern about whether the company’s troubles could lead to mass layoffs or become a drag on the broader Danish economy.