Novo Nordisk's Diabetes Drug Victoza Successful In Study

   DOW JONES NEWSWIRES 
 

Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk A/S (NOVO-B.KO) said Wednesday its drug Victoza has been shown in a clinical study to be more efficient than a competing drug in improving diabetes patients' blood sugar control.

Data from the extension phase of the LEAD 6 study indicated that patients who switched to Victoza from Eli Lilly & Co.'s (LLY) and Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s (AMLN) treatment, Byetta, experienced a statistically significant improvement in blood sugar control, the Copenhagen-based company said.

The switch to Victoza also led to reduced weight and improved blood pressure among patients, it added.

Victoza, which is also known as Liraglutide, was approved for launch in the European Union earlier this year.

Novo Nordisk also expects to launch the drug in the U.S. once it gains regulatory approval. The U.S. Food and Drug administration last week postponed feedback on the drug to the fourth quarter of 2009.

Analysts and investors have seen significant sales potential for Victoza, which - in contrast to conventional diabetes treatment with insulin - doesn't risk pushing blood glucose dangerously low and also helps patients to lose weight.

At 0939 GMT, shares in Novo Nordisk were down 0.6% at DKK319.75, against a 0.5% rise in the wider market in Copenhagen.

Company Web site: www.novonordisk.com

-By Gustav Sandstrom, Dow Jones Newswires; [phone]; [e-mail]