Novo Nordisk has found the new face to lead the marketing push for its diabetes drug Victoza in the US.

Last year, the Danish diabetes giant chose to cancel its partnership with celebrity chef Paula Dean, after a video emerged showing her making racist and anti-Semitic jokes and talking about hiring African-Americans to play slaves at her wedding. But her replacement has now been found, Novo Nordisk confirms to Medwatch.

The person chosen for the job is Dominique Wilkins, who himself receives treatment with Victoza, but is otherwise mostly known for his abilities on a basketball court. He has partnered with Novo Nordisk for the past seven years and used Victoza in his treatment for the past two years.

NBA Hall of Fame

Between 1982 and 1994, the now 54-year-old, 6’7” French-born American played for the NBA team Atlanta Hawks. He has been hailed at one of the best ever when it comes to dunking, earning him the nickname The Human Highlight Film. He was chosen for the NBA All Star team nine times and since retiring he has been included in the NBA Hall of Fame.

Dominique Wilkins was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 14 years ago. Some time ago, he was named a diabetes ambassador for Novo Nordisk, but has now been promoted to a more prominent position in the Danish company’s US business unit.

- translated by Martin Havtorn Petersen

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