Novo Nordisk A/S opened a research and development group inDavis, Calif., for its Bioindustrial Group.

Called Novo Nordisk Biotech Inc., the unit will focus on theidentification of new and better enzymes for industry, as wellas on improving their manufacture.

Industrial enzymes replace chemicals in many industrialprocesses, improving them while adding no harmfulbyproducts to industrial waste.

Novo Nordisk Biotech, one of eight Novo Nordisk affiliates inthe U.S., plans to employ 30 scientists by the end of the yearwho will specialize in molecular biology, protein chemistry,microbiology and microbial physiology.

Novo Nordisk is the world's largest producer of industrialenzymes. It reported a 25 percent increase in sales for 1991and a 21 percent increase for the first half of 1992 worldwideand in the U.S. It intends to make its plant in Franklinton, N.C.,the largest multipurpose enzyme production facility in theAmericas.

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