Novo Nordisk receives European approval for Saxenda

Novo Nordisk has announced that its new obesity drug Saxenda has been approved by the European Commission.

The therapy is the first once-daily human glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue for the treatment of obesity approved in Europe, with the rollout of the product set to commence in several markets over the coming months.

It is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight management in obese or overweight adult patients in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as dysglycaemia, hypertension, dyslipidaemia or obstructive sleep apnoea.

In the EU, obesity affects approximately ten to 30 percent of adults, a ratio that is expected to increase in the coming years.

Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, executive vice-president and chief science officer of Novo Nordisk, said: "We believe Saxenda has the potential to help some of these people achieve and maintain clinically significant weight loss and improve their weight-related comorbidities."

Earlier this month, the firm also received European regulatory approval for its drug Tresiba to be used in the treatment of children and adolescents with diabetes.