Dr. Rabia Demet Özcan, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Bulgaria: “When Health and Sustainability Meet – The Responsible Path of the Pharmaceutical Sector”

Dr. Rabia Demet Özcan has been the General Manager of Novo Nordisk Bulgaria since October 2024. With over 22 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, she has held leadership positions at Schering AG, Sanofi (including serving as Global Medical Director in Paris), and Novo Nordisk. She joined the company in 2017 as Director of Clinical, Medical, Regulatory, and Quality in Turkey, where she contributed to elevating the local Clinical Development Center to a leading position within the company’s global network. Between 2020 and 2023, she led commercial activities in rare diseases, obesity, and business development, driving growth, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships.

Introduction: Why Sustainable Healthcare is More Than Just a Term

In a world where chronic diseases are expanding and healthcare systems are under increasing pressure, sustainable healthcare is evolving from a goal into a necessity. For Novo Nordisk, this is not just a business strategy – it is part of our mission, which we have followed for over 100 years. For me, sustainability in healthcare is primarily a matter of trust that a company manages to build over the long term. As part of the healthcare sector, we bear the responsibility to change people’s lives through innovative therapies that meet current needs without compromising the needs of future generations. In Bulgaria, the company has been a trusted partner to society and the healthcare system for over 30 years. We are proud to lead the change in chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes and to contribute to a healthier Bulgaria. We achieve this through science and innovation, improving access to our medicines, and placing the patient at the center of everything we do.

A Healthier Bulgaria – Through Early Diagnosis, Timely Treatment, and Control of Obesity and Diabetes

In Bulgaria, chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes affect millions and lead to over 200 other serious illnesses and health complications, such as cancer or cardiovascular diseases. Approximately 1 in 4 people in the country live with obesity, and 1 in 6 are affected by diabetes. These numbers are growing every day. Obesity and diabetes represent a massive burden on the lives of patients and their loved ones. These conditions are no longer just a health issue, but also an economic and social challenge that requires multidisciplinary and systemic efforts. Increasing evidence shows that early diagnosis, timely treatment, and the control of obesity and diabetes not only bring health benefits to patients but also have long-term social and economic effects on the entire healthcare system. This leads to fewer hospitalizations, better management of comorbidities, and overall longer and higher-quality lives for patients.

The Patient – At the Center of Every Decision

Everything we do begins and ends with the patient. At Novo Nordisk, we apply a patient-centered approach that ensures timely and accessible care. Digitalization is one of the tools we increasingly use in this direction. It helps us stay closer to people and the unmet needs of patients, offering solutions that are not only effective but also convenient. Most importantly, we aim to build trust, because an informed and engaged patient is a partner in their own treatment. Therefore, Novo Nordisk Bulgaria supports initiatives to raise awareness regarding chronic diseases, with a focus on obesity and diabetes, as well as educational campaigns for a healthy lifestyle reaching an increasing number of people.

Collaboration – The Foundation for Sustainable Solutions

Sustainable healthcare cannot be achieved alone. We work in partnership with institutions, medical professionals, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and society as a whole to build capacity, share our expertise, and jointly support the development of policies with a long-term impact on unmet needs in the treatment of obesity and diabetes. Our role is not only to provide therapies but also to be an active participant in building a more resilient healthcare system for a healthier Bulgaria.

Focus on Clinical Research – Its Role in Sustainable Healthcare

Research and development are key elements of Novo Nordisk’s mission for a healthier Bulgaria and our contribution to a more sustainable healthcare system. Between 2022 and 2024, we conducted 28 clinical trials across various therapeutic areas, involving 1,984 patients in Bulgaria alone. Our efforts in this field not only support access to new therapies but also place our country on the map of leading markets in medical innovation and expertise in innovative treatments. In 2024, the company announced the establishment of a Clinical Development Center (CDC) in Bulgaria as part of a global network of only 25 such centers worldwide. The Bulgarian center plays a key role in developing new therapies with the potential to improve patients’ lives. It also builds partnerships with local specialists and researchers, contributing to the development of the scientific community in the country. In just one year, the Bulgarian Center has become one of the most successful and was honored with the “Best Novo Nordisk Clinical Development Center” award at the regional level.

Sustainability Beyond Health – Social and Environmental Responsibility

Being sustainable means thinking about the future – of both people and the planet. We strive not only to offer innovative therapies for the treatment of obesity and diabetes but also to do so in a socially responsible manner. We have a strategy for zero environmental impact. We are rethinking the way we create, manufacture, and deliver our products. We work with partners who share our vision and seek solutions that allow us to achieve more with less. One of our global projects related to corporate social responsibility and sustainability – “Cities for Better Health” – is already being implemented in over 45 countries. Its goal is to improve the urban environment and infrastructure and create conditions for a healthier lifestyle and the prevention of obesity and diabetes.

Being a Leader – Responsibility and Commitment

Leading a highly ethical company in a sector with significant public impact means carrying a great responsibility – not only for today’s decisions but also for tomorrow’s results. For me, sustainability is a personal commitment – to patients, to society, and to the team I work with.

This publication was produced with the support of Novo Nordisk.