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 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’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...