Novo Nordisk (OMX: NOVO B) will take its once-weekly GLP-1 analogue product candidate semaglutide into phase 3 development in type 2 diabetes. Novo had been contemplating wether to study 1 week formulation of its blockbuster Victoza (liraglutide) or semaglutide in the program after competitors have been bringing their long-lasting drug formulation lessening the need of injections into market. Novo has now concluded that semaglutitde has a more attractive profile for once-weekly administration (a longer intrinsic circulation half-life). Therefore no further clinical activities with once-weekly version of liraglutide are expected.
The company says that clinical data from earlier semaglutide trials shows promise for a differentiated profile and improvement to the treatment in terms of glucose control, weight loss and a low level of hypoglycaemic events after weekly dosing. The global clinical development programme SUSTAIN is expected to start in H1 2013 and include more than 8000 patients. Novo’s share is hardly affected by the news in early trading.
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