Novo Nordisk, the makers of a diabetes drug called Victoza, have ended "suspended" their business partnership with Paula Deen. The pharmaceutical company had originally said they would keep Deen on as a spokesperson for Victoza: "While she takes a more proactive approach to clearing up her comments, our focus will continue to be to provide the best care possible to all of our patients where we work and live."
Well, apparently her "proactive approach to clearing up her comments" on the Today show yesterday didn't work for them, because now Novo Nordisk is out. They released a statement that says "Novo Nordisk and Paula Deen have mutually agreed to suspend our patient education activities for now, while she takes time to focus her attention where it is needed." This is the sixth major endorsement deal to fall through for Deen, who started representing Victoza around the time she announced her diabetes diagnosis. See the full statement from Novo Nordisk, below.
UPDATE: A rep for Novo Nordisk reached out to emphasize that their statement says they "suspended" their relationship with Deen. When asked to clarify if that meant there was a chance they'd resume their relationship in the future, the rep said "It gives us that option, yes, but it's too early to say."
Novo Nordisk and Paula Deen have mutually agreed to suspend our patient education activities for now, while she takes time to focus her attention where it is needed.Novo Nordisk would like to acknowledge Paula's involvement in our Diabetes in a New Light™ campaign, where she has helped make many people aware of type 2 diabetes and the lifestyle changes needed to control this serious disease.
· All PaulaDeenGate Coverage on Eater [-E-]
· All Paula Deen Coverage on Eater [-E-]