Victoza(R) (liraglutide) is cost-effective vs. lixisenatide and cost-saving vs. exenatide in the UK

PR62511

MILAN, November 10, 2015/PRNewswire=KYODO JBN / --

     Abstract: PDB54 B20

    New findings from a health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) analysis

demonstrated that Victoza(R) (liraglutide) 1.2 mg is cost-effective for the

treatment of type 2 diabetes in the UK market when compared to lixisenatide and

is cost-saving compared to exenatide.[1] Findings were presented today at the

18th Annual European Congress of the International Society for

Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) in Milan, Italy.

    The analysis assessed the cost-effectiveness of liraglutide (1.2 mg),

exenatide (10 microg BID) and lixisenatide (20 microg), prescribed for the

treatment of type 2 diabetes in the UK. Liraglutide (1.2 mg) was found to be

cost-effective versus lixisenatide, with an incremental cost-effectiveness

ratio (ICER)* of GBP7,367 per QALY** gained. Liraglutide (1.2 mg) was

associated with cost-savings of GBP87 versus exenatide 10 mug BID.

    "As the population with type 2 diabetes increases, it is vital that

cost-effective medications such as liraglutide are available to help improve

patients' quality of life and prevent complications," said Dr Klaus Henning

Jensen, Head of Clinical, Medical and Regulatory at Novo Nordisk, UK & Ireland.

    The analysis was based on changes seen in blood glucose level (HbA1c),

blood pressure and body mass index on initiation of each treatment, taken from

a network meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials. These trials

evaluated the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment

of people with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled on oral antidiabetic drugs.[1]

    * An ICER calculation is used to quantify the additional benefit gained

from an intervention and its associated cost.

    ** Quality-adjusted life year (QALY) is a measure of the state of health of

a person or group in which the benefits, in terms of length of life, are

adjusted to reflect the quality of life. One QALY is equal to one year of life

in perfect health.

    About Victoza(R)

    Victoza(R) (liraglutide) is a human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)

analogue with an amino acid sequence 97% similar to endogenous human GLP-1.

Like natural GLP-1, Victoza(R) works by stimulating the beta-cells to release

insulin and suppressing glucagon secretion from the alpha cells only when blood

sugar levels are high. Due to this glucose-dependent mechanism of action,

Victoza(R) is associated with a low rate of hypoglycaemia.[Section], [2] In

addition, Victoza(R) reduces body weight and body fat mass through mechanisms

involving reduced appetite and lowered energy intake.[2]

    Victoza(R) was launched in the EU in 2009 and is commercially available in

more than 80 countries with more than 3 million patient years of use in people

with type 2 diabetes globally.[2],[3] In Europe, Victoza(R) is indicated for

treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes to achieve glycaemic control in

combination with oral glucose-lowering medicinal products and/or basal insulin

when these, together with diet and exercise, do not provide adequate glycaemic

control.[2]

    Section Hypoglycaemia has primarily been observed when Victoza(R) is

combined with a sulfonylurea or a basal insulin.

    About Novo Nordisk

    Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with more than 90 years of

innovation and leadership in diabetes care. This heritage has given us

experience and capabilities that also enable us to help people defeat other

serious chronic conditions: haemophilia, growth disorders and obesity.

Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 40,300 people in

75 countries and markets its products in more than 180 countries. For more

information, visit novonordisk.com [http://novonordisk.com ], Facebook

[http://www.facebook.com/novonordisk ], Twitter

[http://www.twitter.com/novonordisk ], LinkedIn

[http://www.linkedin.com/company/novo-nordisk ], YouTube

[http://www.Youtube.com/novonordisk ]

    References

    1. Ashley D, Vega G, Hunt B, et al. Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of

GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in the UK. PDB 54:

B20. 18th Annual European Congress of the International Society for

Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR), Milan, Italy, 7-11 November

2015.

    2. EMA. Victoza(R) EU Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at:

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Product_Information/human/001026/WC500050017.pdf

Last accessed October 2015.

    3. Internal Calculations based on IMS Midas Quantum data. April 2015.

     Further information

     Media:

     Katrine Sperling

     +45-4442-6718

     krsp@novonordisk.com

     Asa Josefsson

     +45-3079-7708

     aajf@novonordisk.com

     Investors:

     Peter Hugreffe Ankersen

     +45-3075-9085

     phak@novonordisk.com

     Melanie Raouzeos

     +45-3075-3479

     mrz@novonordisk.com

     Daniel Bohsen

     +45-3079-6376

     dabo@novonordisk.com

     Kasper Veje

     +45-3079-8519

     kpvj@novonordisk.com

     Frank Daniel Mersebach (US)

     +1-609-235-8567

     fdni@novonordisk.com

SOURCE: Novo Nordisk