Why did Novo Nordisk halt two additional ziltivekimab trials in heart failure patients?

Novo Nordisk halted the two additional ziltivekimab trials in heart failure patients because an independent data monitoring committee determined there was a 'low likelihood' that either study would yield a different result from the earlier failed late-stage trial, which showed the drug did not reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events—including death, non-fatal heart attack, and non-fatal stroke—compared with placebo.

What is the current status of Novo Nordisk's ziltivekimab development program after these trial discontinuations?

Following the discontinuation of two additional heart failure trials, Novo Nordisk’s ziltivekimab development program now has only one ongoing trial—the study in patients recovering from a heart attack—which will continue as planned, with results expected in the first half of 2027.

Novo scraps two more heart drug trials, further dimming growth beyond obesity

Sep 7, 2026

Novo Nordisk halted two additional trials of its experimental heart drug ziltivekimab following earlier failure, hindering efforts to diversify beyond its obesity franchise. One remaining trial will continue with results expected in early 2027.

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Novo scraps two more heart drug trials, further dimming growth beyond obesity

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