Novo Nordisk publishes positive Victoza trial data

Novo Nordisk has published data from a new clinical trial highlighting the advantages of its diabetes drug Victoza compared to a leading alternative.

According to results from the 26-week study, type 2 diabetes patients administered with its injectable Victoza therapy plus metformin experienced better performance in terms of glucose and weight reduction than those using the oral treatment Januvia.

Moreover, it was shown that patients rated the injectable therapy as being just as convenient as the oral agent, while reporting a higher level of satisfaction with Novo Nordisk's drug.

Professor Melanie Davies from the University Hospitals of Leicester, an investigator in the study, said this is despite many clinicians favouring oral therapies as they perceive injectable drugs to be too complex.

She added: "These findings challenge these perceptions as in our study patients prefer an injected to an oral therapy, probably because it offers greater improvement in glycaemic control and facilitates significant weight loss."

Earlier this year, healthcare sector analyst SDI published data from a report showing that Novo Nordisk is rated as the most highly-regarded company in the endocrinology sector by healthcare professionals.