Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) has released results from its pivotal Phase 3 ZEUS trial, which tested the investigational therapy Ziltivekimab in people with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and inflammation.
While the drug successfully engaged its target by reducing free IL-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, it did not lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) compared to placebo (hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% CI 0.88-1.11)
The ZEUS study enrolled more than 6,300 participants and evaluated once-monthly Ziltivekimab 15 mg against placebo, measuring outcomes such as cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack and non-fatal stroke.
Novo Nordisk's Chief Scientific Officer Martin Holst Lange noted that although the drug achieved the expected biological effect, it did not deliver the clinical benefit hoped for in reducing cardiovascular events. He emphasized that the findings will still inform ongoing cardiovascular research and reinforce the company's commitment to addressing unmet needs in this area.
Safety data showed overall adverse event rates were similar between treatment and placebo groups, though a higher proportion of serious infections occurred in patients receiving Ziltivekimab, consistent with IL-6 pathway inhibition. No difference in all-cause mortality was observed.
Novo Nordisk confirmed that two additional cardiovascular outcomes trials with Ziltivekimab— HERMES in heart failure and ARTEMIS in post-heart attack patients—will continue, with results expected in the first half of 2027.
The ZEUS outcome will not affect the company's 2026 adjusted operating profit outlook, though it will result in a non-cash impairment charge in Q3 2026. Full trial results are scheduled for presentation at a scientific meeting later this year.
NVO has traded between $35.12 and $64.16 over the past year. The stock closed Thursday's trading at $51.61, up 0.60%. In pre-market trading the stock is at $47.47, down 8%.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Economic News
What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
September 04, 2026 15:08 ET The job report and foreign trade data were the main economic news from the U.S. in the first week of September. Elsewhere in North America, the Canadian central bank announced its latest policy decision. Inflation data from Eurozone was the highlight in Europe. The latest interest rate decision by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand drew attention in Asia.