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Novo Nordisk’s anti-inflammatory drug fails to reduce cardiovascular risk in late-stage trial

By Thomson Reuters Jul 31, 2026 | 6:34 AM

July 31 (Reuters) – Novo Nordisk said on Friday its experimental drug ​failed to ‌reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in a late-stage trial involving ‌patients ​with cardiovascular ⁠disease, chronic kidney ⁠disease and inflammation.

U.S.-listed shares of the Danish drugmaker were down 10% ​before the bell.

The company was testing ⁠ziltivekimab, a ⁠monoclonal antibody that ​targets a protein called ​IL‑6 ligand, designed to reduce ‌cardiovascular inflammation and improve cardiovascular outcomes.

Novo Nordisk said the trial ⁠outcome will not affect its adjusted operating profit outlook ⁠for ‌2026, but it ⁠will lead ​to ‌a non-cash impairment charge ​in ⁠the third quarter.

(Reporting by Siddhi Mahatole and Sneha S K in Bengaluru; Editing by Diti ​Pujara)