According to Novo Nordisk’s 2009 financial statements, the company’s operating profit has increased by 25% in 2009, a trend they expect will continue through 2010. One of the primary contributors to this increase is the growth in its sale of insulin products. The sale of insulin increased by 24% in the past year. Another important product that the company expects will contribute to its continuing growth is Victoza®, the once-daily human GLP-1 analogue for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, which was approved  both by...

Novo Nordisk announced that it has received US FDA approval for Victoza® (liraglutide) for the treatment of type 2 diabete in adults. Victoza® is the brand name approved in the US and Europe for liraglutide, the first once-daily human Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In the US, Victoza® is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Novo Nordisk expects to introduce Victoza® in the US market within weeks.

Novo Nordisk announced that the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has approved Victoza® for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Victoza® is the brand name for liraglutide, a Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Novo Nordisk expects to launch Victoza® in Japan in the first half of 2010 upon completion of price negotiations.

A new analysis funded by Novo Nordisk’s National Changing Diabetes® Program, found that the cost of diabetes and pre-diabetes reached $218 billion in 2007, with the exploding number of cases of type 2 diabetes responsible for the majority of the costs. According to the study, diagnosed type 2 diabetes accounted for $174.4 billion of 2007 spending on diabetes and undiagnosed type 2 diabetes was responsible for $18 billion in costs. Spending on type 1 diabetes totaled $14.9 billion. Gestational diabetes was associated with $636...

Novo Nordisk announced that it has initiated its first phase 1 clinical trial with a long-acting oral GLP-1 analogue (NN9924). The aim of the trial, which is conducted in the UK, is to investigate the safety, tolerability and bioavailability of NN9924 in healthy volunteers. Results from the trial, which is planned to enroll about 155 people, are expected to be reported in 2011. GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a natural hormone involved in controlling blood sugar levels. It stimulates the release of insulin only when blood sugar...

Novo Nordisk today announced that formal feedback from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding liraglutide is expected within weeks. Liraglutide is the first once-daily human Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Liraglutide works by stimulating the release of insulin only when glucose levels become too high, and by inhibiting appetite. In Europe, Novo Nordisk received marketing authorization for liraglutide under the brand name Victoza® on 30 June 2009.

Novo Nordisk announced today that it has initiated its first phase 1 clinical trial with an oral insulin analogue (NN1952). The aim of the trial, conducted in Germany, is to investigate the safety, tolerance, exposure of drug and effect of NN1952 oral insulin in healthy volunteers and people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Results from the trial, which plans to enroll about 80 people, are expected to be reported in the first half of 2011. There are many challenges with the development and production of a reliable insulin formulation...

Novo Nordisk’s CEO, Lars Sorensen, told Reuters at the Reuters Health Summit in New York that the new diabetes drug Victoza has reached the final decision stage at the U.S. FDA.  Sorensen expects the drug will be approved, although “potentially all the outcomes are still possible. A rejection is still possible, a demand for refiling is still possible…” According to Sorensen, Victoza, which was approved in Europe in July, has been achieving rapid uptake in Europe and is set to overtake Eli Lilly’s and Amylin...

Lars Sorensen CEO of Novo Nordisk, the world leading insulin producer, spoke at the Reuters Health Summit on Wednesday, and gave clear guidance on the impact of U.S. healthcare reform. In the short term sales may be  hit as a result of planned Medicare changes and a promise by pharma companies to help fund wider access to medicines. But in the longer term, increased coverage for more Americans suffering from diabetes would have a positive effect on diabetes drug sales. Or in the words of Mr. Sorensen: “We would anticipate there...

Lars Sorensen, Novo’s chief executive, speaking at the Reuters Health Summit, said the company could introduce a oral insulin tablet to the market within six years. A number of companies have already tried to develop inhaled insulin, including Pfizer Inc, whose product Exubera, was discontinued in 2007.  This form of insulin has raised concerns that it could cause lung damage. The main challenge for scientists trying to develop insulin tablets is that insulin degrades quickly in the stomach, meaning only a very small amount...