Study Results Demonstrate Greater Potential of New Diabetes Therapy Beyond Glucose Control

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 8 - Recent research results demonstrate that a new treatment approach to diabetes, GLP-1 analogues, not only helps to lower blood glucose levels, but has the added benefit of reducing body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.

"What we saw at the 26 week mark was that those patients with type 2 diabetes being treated with liraglutide, a GLP-1 analogue, achieved significant reductions in both BMI and waist circumference," says Dr. Bernard Zinman, Director, Leadership Sinai Centre for Diabetes, Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto. "In this context, we continue to explore innovations in diabetes management."

Findings of the study, The Human GLP-1 Analogue, Liraglutide, Improves BMI and Waist Circumference in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Meta-analysis of Six Phase 3 Trials, were presented at The Canadian Diabetes Association/The Canadian Society for Endocrinology and Metabolism Professional Conference and Annual Meetings that took place in Edmonton from October 20 - 23, 2010.

Victoza(R)

Since its approval by Health Canada in May of this year, Victoza(R) (liraglutide) is establishing its place among treatments to effectively manage diabetes. As the first GLP-1 analogue in Canada, Victoza(R) offers the added benefit of delayed gastric emptying and enhanced satiety after meals.(1) To date, more than 2,600 Canadians living with diabetes have received treatment with Victoza(R)

Victoza(R) is indicated for once-daily administration for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes to improve glycemic control in combination with:(2)

    -   Metformin, when diet and exercise plus maximal tolerated dose of
        metformin do not achieve adequate glycemic control.

    -   Metformin and a sulfonylurea, when diet and exercise plus dual
        therapy with metformin and a sulfonylurea do not achieve adequate
        glycemic control.

In addition, Victoza(R) has a low risk of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood glucose levels), since it only works when the body needs it.(2) Victoza(R) should not be used to treat type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis. Use of Victoza(R) in combination with insulin has not been studied and is therefore not recommended.(2)

About Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.

Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company and a world leader in diabetes care and biopharmaceuticals. Novo Nordisk manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and services that make a significant difference to patients, the medical profession and society. Novo Nordisk's business is driven by the Triple Bottom Line: a commitment to economic success, environmental soundness, and social responsibility to employees and customers. For more information, visit www.novonordisk.ca.

    References:
    ----------------------------------

    (1) Grossman, S. Differentiating Incretin Therapies Based on Structure,
        Activity, and Metabolism: Focus on Liraglutide. Pharmacotherapy.
        2009;29(12):25S-32S.
    (2) VICTOZA(R) Canadian Product Monograph. 2010.

Health and Fitness