Novo Nordisk Says Ziltivekimab Failed Large Trial, Challenging Heart Inflammation Theory
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 7
Novo Nordisk Says Ziltivekimab Failed Large Trial, Challenging Heart Inflammation Theory
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 7
Summary
Novo Nordisk said its experimental heart drug ziltivekimab was no better than placebo in a large trial, undercutting what had been seen as a potential blockbuster.
The result strikes at a central idea in cardiology: that reducing inflammation can directly slow atherosclerosis and prevent deaths, rather than merely track the disease.
Cardiologists called the outcome surprising and disappointing, though some argued it may reflect the drug, trial design or the severity of enrolled patients rather than disprove the inflammation hypothesis.
The setback adds to pressure on Novo Nordisk after investors had already reacted negatively to the failed heart-drug study alongside mixed CagriSema data and softer-than-expected Wegovy pill sales.