Novo Nordisk to phase out inflammatory disease research

Novo Nordisk has announced that it will be shutting down its research and development activities within the field of inflammatory disorders.

The company recently reviewed its strategic position in this field following the discontinuation of its most advanced project, the investigational anti-IL-20 therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.

Since this would delay the company's earliest possible entrance into the market for anti-inflammatory therapeutics to the late 2020s, Novo Nordisk has chosen to halt all ongoing clinical activities within this field in the next six months.

The move will allow the organisation to step up its efforts in diabetes research, an area where it has a proven track record of success.

Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, executive vice-president and chief science officer of Novo Nordisk, said: "Significant unmet opportunities remain within diabetes, including prevention, obesity and diabetes complications. We have therefore decided to further increase our research and development efforts within diabetes, which is our main business area."

The firm saw a seven percent year-on-year sales increase in local currency terms during the first half of 2014, thanks to the continued strong demand for its diabetes products.