Novo Nordisk Victoza Lowers Cardiovascular Risk Per Study
Novo Nordisk NVO announced positive top-line results on its diabetes drug, Victoza, from the LEADER trial.
This multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the cardiovascular safety of Victoza over a period of up to 5 years in adults with type 2 diabetes, who are at a high risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. The trial compared the addition of either Victoza or placebo to the standard of care, with the Victoza arm meeting the primary endpoint of non-inferiority. Results also demonstrated superiority of Victoza in a statistically significant reduction of cardiovascular risk.
We note that Victoza’s ability of lowering cardiovascular risk is significant as adults with type II diabetes generally have a higher possibility of experiencing major adverse cardiovascular events.
Victoza, a human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), is approved in the EU for the treatment of adults with type II diabetes by achieving glycemic control. The drug is also approved in the U.S., as an adjunct to diet and exercise, for improving glycemic control in adults with type II diabetes.
These positive results are a major positive for Novo Nordisk. A potential label expansion of the drug will further boost its sales, which came in at DKK18.0 million in 2015.
We remind investors that Eli Lilly and Company’s LLY Jardiance also showed a significant reduction in both cardiovascular risk and cardiovascular death in the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial in 2015. The FDA has accepted data from a long-term clinical trial investigating cardiovascular outcomes in adults with type II diabetes, who are at a high risk of adverse cardiovascular events in the first quarter of 2016. The company also submitted cardiovascular data to the European regulatory authorities in the fourth quarter of 2015.
Novo Nordisk is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock. A couple of better-ranked stocks in the health care sector include AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc. AMAG and Celgene Corp. CELG, each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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