Novo Nordisk's anti-inflammatory drug fails to reduce cardiovascular risk in late-stage trial
NVO•Late-stage trial misses cardiovascular endpoint
July 31 (Reuters) - Novo Nordisk NOVOb.CO said on Friday its experimental drug failed to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in a late-stage trial involving patients with cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and inflammation.
U.S.-listed shares of the Danish drugmaker were down 10% before the bell.
The company was testing ziltivekimab, a monoclonal antibody that targets a protein called IL‑6 ligand, designed to reduce cardiovascular inflammation and improve cardiovascular outcomes.
Outlook unchanged, but impairment charge to follow
Novo Nordisk said the trial outcome will not affect its adjusted operating profit outlook for 2026, but it will lead to a non-cash impairment charge in the third quarter.
