NICE recommends Novo Nordisk's Victoza

NICE (the National Institute for Clinical Excellence) have today released their preliminary recommendation on the use of liraglutide for treatment of type 2 diabetes. Victoza (liraglutide) is a once-daily injectable human GLP-1 analogue licensed in Europe, the US and Japan, and available in the UK since July 2009 to be used in combination with oral anti-diabetic tablets. Final guidance is expected mid 2010.

The preliminary recommendation positions once-daily liraglutide 1.2mg as a clinically and cost-effective treatment option, for use in combination with two oral anti-diabetic tablets for the treatment of people with type 2 diabetes and a body mass index (BMI) above 35 in the general population. In addition it may be used in certain patient types with a BMI below 35. 

NICE has asked Novo Nordisk to supply further information to support the general use of liraglutide in combination with only one anti-diabetic tablet. Additionally, Novo Nordisk intend discussing with NICE the use of liraglutide 1.8mg dose, which NICE does not include in these recommendations.

Viggo Birch, managing director, Novo Nordisk said: "We are very encouraged by the preliminary recommendation from NICE regarding the use of liraglutide 1.2 mg and that NICE have seen the value of liraglutide and the major benefits that it has for patients with type 2 diabetes. We look forward to the next stage of discussions with NICE and the resulting guidance expected around June, which we hope will mirror the license we were awarded in July 2009 by the European Medicines Agency (EMA formerly EMEA)."