Novo Nordisk unveils positive data for rFXIII compound

Novo Nordisk has published phase III trial data on a recombinant factor XIII (rFXIII) investigational compound for the prevention of a rare bleeding disorder.

The rFXIII treatment was administered to 41 patients who suffered from bleeds associated with congenital FXIII deficiency, a condition that is known to affect between 600 and 1,000 people worldwide.

After one year, the researchers found that monthly rFXIII injections significantly decreased the number of bleeding episodes requiring treatment in comparison to the historic control group.

Professor Aida Inbal of the Rabin Medical Centre in Tel Aviv described the study as "an extremely important milestone" in the development of a new treatment for congenital FXIII deficiency.

"These data show the potential for rFXIII to become a safe and effective treatment option," the researcher added.

Currently, the only other treatment available for the condition is sourced from human plasma and therefore carries an inherent risk of infection.

In October, Novo Nordisk announced plans to invest $73 million (46.1 million pounds) into its North Carolina manufacturing facility to increase production of the company's insulin delivery devices.