Novo Nordisk study shows insulin degludec benefits

Novo Nordisk has published data from a new clinical study that highlights the potential benefits of its diabetes therapy insulin degludec.

Trial results presented at a European Association for the Study of Diabetes meeting showed that the investigational therapy is able to deliver reductions in glycated haemoglobin levels compared to insulin glargine, with similar rates of hypoglycaemia.

It was also shown that glycaemic control can be maintained using Novo Nordisk's new therapy even when patients unintentionally delay a dose, or take their insulin at a different time of day.

Currently, insulin degludec is yet to be approved for use in any territories and has not yet been submitted for approval by healthcare regulators.

Professor Stephen Atkin, lead author of the study at York Hull Medical School, said: "Insulin degludec could potentially offer a real advance in diabetes management for patients who are challenged to maintain exactly the same schedule from day to day."

Earlier this week, the company published new clinical data on another diabetes drug, Victoza, showing the benefits it offers compared to a leading alternative.