Novo Nordisk Posts Positive Phase 3 Data For Diabetes Drug Victoza

Novo Nordisk reported that data from a Phase III study showed that investigational once-daily Victoza (liraglutide [rDNA origin] injection) achieved greater glycemic control compared to placebo, with no aggravation of renal function in adults with type 2 diabetes and moderate renal impairment.

Victoza is a human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog indicated as an adjunct treatment to diet and exercise for the improvement of blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. The drug is commercially available in 68 countries including the US and the UK as an injectable prescription medicine.

The drug is undergoing investigation in the 26-week, randomized, controlled, double-blind study for efficacy and safety against placebo when used in addition to preexisting oral anti-diabetic treatment, insulin or a combination of the two. Findings show that Victoza demonstrated significantly greater improvements compared to placebo in mean HbA1c (a measure of blood glucose levels) in patients with stage 3 chronic kidney disease. There was no observed worsening of renal function in patients who received Victoza in the study.

“Renal impairment is very common in patients with type 2 diabetes, especially in adults over 65 years of age. Of the therapies available for type 2 diabetes, it is essential we have treatment options for patients with associated renal impairment,” said Melanie Davies, Professor of Diabetes Medicine and Honorary Consultant at the Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, UK.

Renal impairment, common in patients with stage 3 chronic kidney disease, is one of the difficult and typical long-term complications of diabetes. The presence of renal impairment often impedes the use of existing and available anti-diabetic treatment options for patients.

The trial results were presented at the 74th Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in San Francisco, California. The company also recently received the 2014 New Good Neighbor Award from the New Jersey Business & Industry Association for its new LEED Silver certified US headquarters in Plainsboro, NJ.