FDA approves Novo Nordisk's diabetes drug

Danish pharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk has announced it has been granted marketing authorisation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its type 2 diabetes treatment, Victoza (liraglutide).

Victoza is approved for use in addition to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is the first once-daily human Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

"The US approval of Victoza represents a major advancement in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and is an important milestone for Novo Nordisk that follows the recent approval in Japan and the ongoing successful launch in Europe." said Lars Rebien Sørensen, president and CEO.

He continued: "We are convinced that Victoza will prove to be a valuable treatment option for people with type 2 diabetes in the US. The ability of Victoza to substantially improve glucose control with a low risk of hypoglycaemia creates an opportunity for more patients with type 2 diabetes to achieve their individual treatment goals."

Novo Nordisk plans to introduce Victoza to the US market within the next few weeks.