← Latest briefing

Health

Novo Nordisk halts two clinical studies of ziltivekimab

A monitoring committee found the HERMES and ATHENA trials unlikely to succeed, STAT reports.

The short version

  • Novo Nordisk stopped the HERMES and ATHENA trials of its drug ziltivekimab after a data monitoring committee concluded they were unlikely to succeed.[STAT]
  • The drug previously failed the ZEUS trial, in which it lowered inflammation markers but did not reduce major complications like heart attacks and deaths.[STAT]
  • Novo Nordisk notified trial investigators about the study closures on Friday.[STAT]

Key facts

  • Novo Nordisk discontinued the HERMES and ATHENA trials for ziltivekimab.[STAT]
  • A data monitoring committee determined the HERMES and ATHENA studies were unlikely to succeed.[STAT]
  • Trial investigators were informed of the trial stoppages on Friday.[STAT]
  • Ziltivekimab previously failed the ZEUS trial because it did not lower major clinical risks such as heart attacks and deaths, despite reducing inflammation markers.[STAT]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.