Novo Nordisk says Levemir works ‘without weight gain’

Novo Nordisk, the Danish diabetes pharmaceutical company, has revealed the results of a new study involving over 10,000 patients which shows that Levemir, an insulin analogue, is effective and does not cause weight gain ? a common problem with some insulin therapies.

Levemir is a long-lasting insulin analogue designed to be metabolised by the body over time. Novo Nordisk says it is the only insulin analogue to combine the advantages of effectiveness without weight gain.

Furthermore, while the risk of hypoglycaemic episodes was reduced, there was actually an overall weight reduction in patients with type-II diabetes. Some 84 per cent of type-II patients managed their diabetes with one Levemir dose a day.

Dr Malcolm Nattrass of the University Hospital, Birmingham, remarked: “Weight gain can have serious consequences for people with diabetes not only physically, in terms of the ability to control their condition, but also psychologically.”

“This insight into how Levemir is being used in clinical practice to manage diabetes successfully without weight gain is very positive for healthcare professionals and patients alike,” he added.

Novo Nordisk claims to have the “broadest” portfolio of diabetes products on the market and the most advanced insulin delivery systems. Although diabetes products comprise 71 per cent of its sales, the company also produces hormones for hormone replacement therapy and growth hormone therapy.

There are 22,000 Novo Nordisk employees in 79 countries, including 266 in Crawley, West Sussex. The company markets products in 179 countries.

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