Novo Nordisk says it is investing an additional $100 million to expand its R&D facilities in Beijing, a move which "reaffirms its long-term commitment" to China.

The new 12,000 square metre centre "will make it possible to increase the number of science employees from the current 130 to 200", the Danish drugmaker says. The company added that the expansion "fulfils its key strategic objective to ensure the full range of protein research capabilities in China".

Chief scientific officer Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen said the investment is "a win-win opportunity for both Novo and China". He added that "we want to bring innovation from Chinese scientists into our company to help tackle the growing burden of diabetes and other chronic diseases".

Novo was the first multinational to open a research centre in China, in 1997. It also operates a production plant in Tianjin and ocal offices in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenyang, Wuhan, Jinan, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The company employs around 3,000 people in China.