Novo Nordisk receives Victoza marketing authorisation

Novo Nordisk has received marketing authorisation for its adult type 2 diabetes treatment Victoza from the European commission, it has announced.

The approval covers combination treatment with metformin and either a thiazolidinedione or sulphonylurea in patients that have insufficient glycaemic control despite dual therapy.

Additionally, combination treatment with a sulphonylurea or metformin in individuals with inadequate glycemic control – despite receiving the maximal tolerated dose of monotherapy with either of the aforementioned solutions – is also covered by the approval.

Executive vice-president and chief science officer of Novo Nordisk Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen said that the approval is an “important milestone” for the company, as well as for the management of type 2 diabetes.

Dr Thomsen, who joined the firm in 1991, added: “We are convinced that Victoza is a valuable new treatment option for people with type 2 diabetes.”

Victoza is set to be launched in the UK, Denmark and Germany this summer and be rolled out across other parts of Europe during the second half of 2009 and throughout next year.