A few days ago we said that the Danish company Novo Nordisk is one of the most valuable companies in all of Europe, in fact one of the most valuable. Its success is explained by one name: Ozempic, the drug that started the journey of fighting diabetes and became the top slogan of pharmaceutical companies when it comes to weight loss treatments. We have talked at length about the drug and its varieties, including where it is produced, but we have not mentioned its great paradox.

A town and a million dollar investment. Kalundborg, a small seaside town in Denmark, received a “monstrous” investment of no less than 7.7 billion euros. Paid by: Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company behind Wegovy and Ozempic, “best-selling” weight loss drugs. The region has since become the most important production center for semaglutide, the active compound used in both, making it a key location for the Danish pharmaceutical industry.

But despite this million-dollar investment, Kalundborg faces major challenges in attracting the permanent residents necessary for its prosperity. Not only this. Very ironically, the town faces one of the country’s most serious childhood obesity problems and a lack of tangible benefits for its local residents.

People are missing. A few days ago, the BBC reported that a long line of workers arrived in the city every morning, but very few remained at the end of the day. Most choose to travel from other cities, leaving Kalundborg deserted in the afternoon. Apparently, although per capita investment is significant, infrastructure problems and a lack of tourist attractions have limited housing development.

But there is more. The media reported that local schools were in very poor condition and had difficulty attracting qualified teachers, which affected academic performance and student expectations. This creates a vicious circle that leads to the same pit: Many young people do not see the need to make an effort, thinking that they can always work at the Novo Nordisk factory.

Contrasts and perspectives. One of the clearest examples of this is the Kalundborg High School Gymnasium, where students expressed mixed views about the future of the city. Some, like Anna K., told the BBC they want to move to bigger cities because they find life in Kalundborg monotonous, while others, like Ali and Marie, want to return after their studies, hoping the town will offer more opportunities. the coming years.

Childhood obesity. In any case, the biggest paradox arises due to the health problems of young people in the town where Özempiç’s largest active compound facility is located. Despite the economic activity stimulated by Novo Nordisk, Kalundborg’s biggest problem is public health: the town is in the top 5% of Denmark for childhood obesity rates.

Additionally, the town’s economy became dependent on factory jobs, with many low-income workers leaving Copenhagen due to the high cost of living in the capital. This created a community that benefited economically from factory work but faced limitations in improving its quality of life.

Trust the pharmaceutical industry. Valued at around $500 billion, Novo Nordisk undoubtedly represents a pillar for the Danish economy today, and its success is so significant that without the growth of the pharmaceutical sector, the country’s economy would shrink (0.8%) by 1.1% in the first nine months of 2023 growth is predicted. The company expects to create an additional 1,250 jobs in Kalundborg, in addition to the 4,500 jobs already existing at the site.

However, this dependence poses a known risk from the collapse of a “neighboring” country, Nokia, and Nokia in the 2000s, seriously affecting the Finnish economy. For Kalundborg, which was already experiencing an industrial decline when the Carmen Curlere factory closed in the 1990s, this raises concerns of over-reliance on a single sector.

Future and challenges. Kalundborg mayor Martin Damm is optimistic about the city’s future and claims that more than 1,000 jobs are being created annually. He claims that schools are being renovated and that increased prosperity will, over time, lead to healthier lifestyles. Additionally, the construction of a new highway will help reduce traffic congestion; But what will really matter is that more people decide to live in the city permanently.

Despite all the difficulties, there are signs of progress. We said it recently. Three universities, including University College Absalon, have begun offering biotechnology courses in Kalundborg, attracting students and attracting the interest of private investors. Additionally, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, one of the world’s largest private charities, strengthens scientific education and development in the region by funding the Helix Lab, a research and education center in the city.

Looking at the facts, one thing seems obvious. For economic success to translate into a positive and lasting impact for its residents, the town of Kalundborg needs solutions that go beyond simple economic investment and focus on improving basic services, infrastructure and social well-being.

Picture | Lcl, Chemist4U

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