Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, chief science officer, said: "We are very content with the results from the Phase 2 studies which support the dual-action profile of NN622, specifically targeting glucose control and dyslipidaemia in Type 2 diabetes. The results confirm a beneficial efficacy/safety profile allowing Novo Nordisk to select doses with a positive benefit/risk ratio for further development."
NN622 is a PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor) alpha and gamma agonist, which in preclinical, early clinical and now also in Phase 2 trials has shown potential to regulate blood glucose and diabetic dyslipidaemia. The compound, in-licensed by Novo Nordisk from Dr Reddy's Laboratories, is chemically and pharmacologically different from presently marketed PPAR agonists.
Increasing scientific evidence within Type 2 diabetes indicates that targeting both elevated blood sugar levels and high lipid levels may improve treatment outcomes for these patients. Elevated blood sugar levels are typically measured as HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose and insulin, whereas high lipid levels for Type 2 diabetes patients are often manifested as too high triglyceride and free fatty acids levels and too low HDL-cholesterol. The compound is expected to be among the first to reach the market from a new generation of dual-acting sensitisers currently in development.
Forward-looking statement
The above sections contain forward-looking statements as the term is defined in the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Such forward-looking statements are subject to risk and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations, including unexpected developments in the international currency exchange and securities markets, delay or failure of development projects, production problems, government-mandated or market-driven price decreases for Novo Nordisk's products in the company's major markets and the introduction of competing products within Novo Nordisk's core businesses.
These and other risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by Novo Nordisk with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) including the company's Form 20-F, which was filed on 28 April 2001.
Novo Nordisk is under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this report or to confirm such statements to actual results, unless required by law.
Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) is a focused healthcare company and the world leader in diabetes care. In addition, Novo Nordisk has a leading position within areas such as coagulation disorders, growth disorders and hormone replacement therapy. Novo Nordisk manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and services that make a significant difference to patients, the medical profession and society. With headquarters in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 15,000 people in 68 countries and markets its products in 179 countries. For further company information visit www.novonordisk.com.
For further information please contact:
Media:
Outside North America:
Karsten Madsen
Phone (direct): (+45) 4442 4137
Outside North America:
Karsten Madsen
Phone (direct): (+45) 4442 4137
In North America:
Susan Jackson
Phone (direct): (+1) 212 867 0123
Susan Jackson
Phone (direct): (+1) 212 867 0123
Investors:
Outside North America:
Peter Haahr
Phone (direct): (+45) 4442 1207
Outside North America:
Peter Haahr
Phone (direct): (+45) 4442 1207
Palle Holm Olesen
Phone (direct): (+45) 4442 6175
Phone (direct): (+45) 4442 6175
In North America
Rasmus Jorgensen
Phone (direct): (+1) 212 878 9607
Rasmus Jorgensen
Phone (direct): (+1) 212 878 9607
Stock Exchange Announcement No 15 / 2001