The company is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of therapeutic protein-based products for the treatment of human diseases. the company has generated proprietary product candidates and commercializes them through internal development, collaborations with biopharmaceutical partners or out-licensing of patents. the company has developed five recombinant protein products marketed by other companies from which it derives royalties. the products are novolin(r) , novorapid(r), novoseven(r), regranex(r), glucagen(r) and cleactor(tm). the products are marketed by novo nordisk, ortho-mcneil pharmaceuticals, inc., and eisai co., ltd. the company has also out-licensed two products to third parties in return for milestone payments and royalties. the company became publicly held in february 2002.