The drug showed some biological activity, but Novo Nordisk said it did not produce a statistically significant reduction in MACE, which was defined as cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack or non-fatal stroke, in patients with certain diseases.
Chief scientific officer Martin Holst Lange said the result was disappointing but did not alter the company’s long-term focus on cardiovascular disease.
The study involved more than 6,300 participants with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and elevated inflammation. Ziltivekimab was tested on top of standard treatment to assess whether blocking the inflammatory IL-6 pathway could lower the risk of a first major cardiovascular event.
Overall adverse-event rates were similar between the treatment and placebo groups, although serious infections were more common with ziltivekimab. The company reported no difference in overall mortality.
Copenhagen-listed Novo Nordisk shares were last down 7.4%, while the company’s American depositary receipts fell 8.6% in premarket trading. Before Friday’s session, Novo Nordisk’s Danish shares were already down 7% year-to-date.
