Novo Nordisk receives FDA backing for Victoza benefits

Novo Nordisk has welcomed a new ruling from the US Food and Drug Administration that underlines the benefits of its diabetes therapy Victoza.

The regulatory body has received approval to update the labelling of its drug to include data that showcases the superior blood sugar control and weight reduction it offers for type 2 diabetes patients, when compared with a leading alternative.

Information on the safety and efficacy of adding basal insulin to Victoza and metformin among this patient group will also be included on the revised label.

The FDA's decision was based on positive data from recent medical trials and builds on the strong clinical profile of Victoza, which is now available in more than 40 countries.

Camille Lee, corporate vice-president for diabetes marketing at Novo Nordisk, said: "The additional data … further demonstrates that Victoza is an appropriate option for a wide variety of adults with type 2 diabetes."

Last month, the company launched a new clinic for children with type 1 diabetes in Bangladesh, as part of its international Changing Diabetes in Children aid programme.