Update: Novo Nordisk Halts Two More Trials of Experimental Cardiovascular Drug Ziltivekimab

MT Newswires · 2d ago
02:11 AM EDT, 09/08/2026 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates with Novo Nordisk's statement) Novo Nordisk (NOVO-B.CO) stopped two additional clinical studies for its experimental heart failure treatment, ziltivekimab, Reuters reported Monday, citing a company spokesperson. The Danish drugmaker called off the trials ahead of schedule after an independent committee found a "low likelihood" that the results would differ from an earlier late-stage trial that showed the drug failed to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared with placebo. Amid the decision, the company intends to continue the trial of ziltivekimab in patients recovering from ⁠a heart attack. Results of this study are expected within the first half of 2027. In a statement to MT Newswires, Novo Nordisk said it informed investigators of the decision to end the Hermes and Athena trials early on Sept. 4. It added that all patients will be followed through their three-month follow-up visit as already planned.