Novo Nordisk CEO: Positive Victoza Reception In Europe
August 06 2009 - 8:28AM
Dow Jones News
Novo Nordisk A/S's (NOVO-B.KO) diabetes treatment Victoza has
had a positive reception since it was launched on a number of
European markets in July, Chief Executive Lars Rebien Sorensen said
at a conference call Thursday, following the Danish pharmaceutical
company's second-quarter report.
He said the price of the drug in 1.2 milligram doses is similar
to the price of rival treatment Byetta from Eli Lilly (LLY) and
Amylin Pharmaceutical (AMLN).
Analysts and investors have seen significant sales potential for
Victoza, which in contrast to conventional diabetes treatment with
insulin doesn't risk pushing blood glucose dangerously low and also
helps patients to lose weight.
Earlier Thursday, Novo Nordisk posted a consensus-beating 21%
rise in second-quarter net profit to 2.99 billion Danish kroner
($579 million) on strong insulin analogue sales, and raised its
full-year outlook for underlying operating profit.
Company Web site: http://www.novonordisk.com
-By Gustav Sandstrom, Dow Jones Newswires; +46-8-5451-3099;
gustav.sandstrom@dowjones.com