Novo Nordisk reports positive data from new semaglutide study

Novo Nordisk has announced positive results from a new clinical trial assessing its drug semaglutide in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

The SUSTAIN 5 study was the fifth phase IIIa trial assessing the new GLP-1 analogue therapy, administered subcutaneously once weekly. It looked at the efficacy and safety of semaglutide as an add-on to basal insulin in 397 people with type 2 diabetes.

After 30 weeks of treatment, the drug achieved a statistically significant improvement in blood glucose levels compared to placebo, meaning patients were more likely to be able to reduce their insulin dosages.

Novo Nordisk expects to announce headline results of the final SUSTAIN trial, SUSTAIN 6, at some point during the first half of 2016. 

Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, executive vice-president and chief science officer of Novo Nordisk, said: "We are excited about the results of SUSTAIN 5, showing superior efficacy in glycaemic control and weight loss with semaglutide administered once-weekly in patients inadequately controlled on basal insulin."

Semaglutide is also being developed in an oral tablet version for type 2 diabetes, alongside once-daily subcutaneous versions for type 2 diabetes and weight management.