Positive new Ph III data on Novo Nordisk's Victoza

Global Denmark-based insulin giant Novo Nordisk (NOV: N) yesterday reported data from two Phase IIIb studies showing that a significantly higher number of patients receiving the firm’s diabetes drug Victoza (liraglutide) achieved HbA1c levels <7% at any given time point in time (12, 20 and 26 weeks) during the 26 weeks of treatment period compared to sitagliptin or exenatide, the company’s major competitors in the diabetes arena, Merck & Co’s Januvia and Amylin’s Bydureon, respectively.

Data from the first study indicated that liraglutide 1.2mg was 1.76 times more likely to achieve the target of HbA1c<7.0% (95% CI 1.32; 2.34) across 26-week treatment period compared to sitagliptin (p<0.0030); liraglutide 1.8mg was 2.1times more likely (95% CI 1.62; 2.82) across 26-week treatment period versus sitagliptin (p<0.0001); and liraglutide 1.8mg was 1.5 times more likely compared to exenatide BID (95% CI 1.17; 1.92, p<0.0068).

Second study results