Overweight and obese diabetes patients given high doses

(Reuters) - Overweight and obese diabetes patients given high doses of Novo Nordisk's drug liraglutide achieved 6 percent weight loss in a clinical trial, only slightly above the loss seen in those on a lower dose.

The Danish group, the world's biggest insulin producer, said on Monday it was pleased with the results. But investors worried about where it left Novo's strategy for a premium-priced high-dose obesity treatment and shares in the company fell 4 percent.



Novo Nordisk said subjects with Type 2 diabetes achieved 6 percent weight loss with 3 milligrams of liraglutide in the advanced Phase III trial compared to 5 percent in those on 1.8 mg.

Patients given a placebo also lost 2 percent of their weight, so the placebo-adjusted loss for the higher dose was 4 percent, analysts noted.

"Five and 6 percent is on the low side in efficacy, but it is important to note that it is enough to be approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)," said Michael Friis Jorgensen, senior analyst at Alm Brand.

He said the share price reaction was harsh but reflected broader uncertainty about Novo's prospects, following an earlier setback for new diabetes drug Tresiba in the key U.S. market.