Novo Nordisk to initiate trial of diabetes drug Victoza

Novo Nordisk has outlined its plans to commence a new clinical trial to support the positive effect its diabetes drug Victoza can deliver to cardiovascular health.

The pharmaceutical company is to work together with EU and US regulators, as well as an international expert steering committee, to launch the new Leader study, which will commence this autumn.

It intends to demonstrate that Victoza can help to improve cardiovascular outcomes among type 2 diabetes patients by helping to mitigate conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity and dangerous cholesterol levels.

Dr John Buse, chief of endocrinology and director of the Diabetes Care Centre at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and Chairman of the Leader steering committee, stated that cardiovascular conditions are the main cause of death among diabetes sufferers.

He added: “As a result, there is a serious unmet need for further long-term studies to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.”

Last month, Novo Nordisk published its first quarter financial results, reporting a year-on-year increase in profits thanks in part to the successful introduction of Victoza.