Novo Nordisk’s type 2 diabetes drug Victoza which underwent a human study has now indicated patients have been able to control the condition and also achieve weight loss with the drug.

A new data shows that Victoza which is a liraglutide [rDNA origin] injection has provided greater reductions in HbA1c compared to exenatide and DPP-4 inhibitors, with weight loss and cost-effectiveness, when used in routine primary care according to current UK type 2 diabetes treatment guidelines.

The study presented at the 72nd Annual Scientific Sessions of the ADA in Philadelphia also shows that more patients appeared to favour a drug with a liraglutide-like profile, which is given by injection, over a drug with a sitagliptin-like profile, which is given orally.

“This study shows us that the results seen with liraglutide in clinical trials are reflected in day-to-day, real-world use,” said Marc Evans, study investigator,  Llandough Hospital, Cardiff, Wales.

Key to managing diabetes is choosing treatments that patients will adhere to in order to get the best outcomes. The study looked at data from 1,114 type 2 diabetes patients from primary care practices in the UK and assessed the clinical efficacy and patient preference with respect to liraglutide, exenatide and DPP-4 inhibitors.

The results showed that greater reduction in HbA1c was seen in patients treated with liraglutide compared to exenatide or DPP-4 inhibitors.

Significantly greater weight loss was seen in patients treated with liraglutide and greater weight loss was seen in patients treated with liraglutide compared to exenatide.

The calculated life years gained per patient was 0.12, 0.08 and 0.07 for those receiving liraglutide, exenatide or a DPP-4 inhibitor, respectively, compared to their respective baselines.

Based on observed treatment effects, the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) 68 risk equations were applied over a 20-year time horizon to calculate cost-effectiveness.

Victoza is a human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue that is 97 per cent similar to endogenous human GLP-1. The drug was approved on June, 30, 2009 by the European Commission in all 27 European Union member states.

In Europe, Victoza is indicated for treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to achieve glycaemic control, in combination with metformin and or sulphonylurea or metformin and thiazolidinedione.

On 25 January 2010, Victoza was approved in the US as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Victoza has been commercially launched in more than 50 countries globally, including the US, China, Japan, the Arabian Peninsula and a number of countries in Europe, Asia and South America. It will be available in other markets during the year.