Novo Nordisk believes liraglutide has benefits

Novo Nordisk believes liraglutide has a positive benefit-to-risk profile with regards to treating type two diabetes.

The once-daily human GLP-1 analogue was discussed by the Food and Drug Administration’s Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee, who voted on issues relating to it.

Most members supported data that showed the medication did not pose a particular cardiovascular risk compared to other remedies.

However, the majority also decided the research regarding C-cell tumours was not relevant as it had been examined on rodents and overall the committee was divided about whether or not the drug would have any positive effect on humans for this problem.

Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, executive vice-president and chief science officer of the healthcare company, said the firm still thinks liraglutide will be an “important advance” for patients with type two diabetes.

“We will work closely with the FDA as it completes its review of our application to address the concerns expressed by members of the advisory committee,” he commented.

Novo Nordisk employs around 27,000 people ? nearly half (48 per cent) of whom are based in Denmark.