Novo announces trial start

Novo Nordisk has announced the commencement of a phase I trial in association with Neose Technologies into GlycoPEGylated factor VIIa, a version of NovoSeven Coagulation Factor VIIa (recombinant).

The trial is designed to test the safety and pharmacokinetics of GlycoPEGylated factor VIIa, a study which triggers a milestone payment in the agreement between Novo Nordisk and Neose.

“Novo Nordisk is committed to developing therapies to prevent or reduce bleeding episodes and to improve the quality of life in patients with haemophilia,” said Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, executive vice president and chief science officer of Novo Nordisk.

He added that Novo was “pleased” that its work with Neose has led to the development of a product that could potentially contribute to the company’s aims.

Neose president and chief executive officer George J Vergis said that it is the third GlycoPEGylated therapeutic protein to enter trial stage.

Novo recently revealed that diabetes in both developed and developing countries was having a large economic impact, according to Economic Intelligence Unit research that the company sponsored.