Novo Nordisk’s attempt to lower major adverse cardiovascular events using the IL-6 inhibitor ziltivekimab did not succeed, according to a July 31 press release. In the Phase 3 ZEUS study, while ziltivekimab reduced inflammation, it did not decrease the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death among patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and inflammation.
The company had approached the ZEUS trial as a high-risk, high-reward endeavor. Following the announcement of these results, Novo Nordisk’s stock price dropped nearly 9% to $47.10 during Friday morning trading. BMO Capital Markets said this outcome was unfavorable for Novo and noted that it could impact the company’s efforts to differentiate itself from Eli Lilly in the cardiometabolic field.
A previous mid-stage study showed that ziltivekimab lowered C-reactive protein levels—a marker of inflammation—but this effect did not translate into clinical benefits in reducing major adverse cardiovascular events. Despite this setback, Novo Nordisk is continuing research on ziltivekimab through other studies: HERMES for heart failure and ARTEMIS for acute heart attack. Both are expected to report results in the first half of next year; however, BMO analysts said they view it as unlikely that either will yield positive outcomes based on current findings.
“While ziltivekimab did not achieve the MACE benefit we had hoped for, this does not change our strategic commitment to cardiovascular disease,” Martin Holst Lange, chief scientific officer at Novo Nordisk, said in Friday’s release. “The study provides important scientific evidence that will inform our ongoing cardiovascular research and the development of treatments for patients who continue to face substantial unmet need.”
Analysts expect Novo Nordisk may pursue external business development following this result. The company previously acquired Akero in 2025 and obtained ziltivekimab through its $725 million purchase of Corvidia Therapeutics in 2020. Novo is scheduled to report second-quarter earnings next week amid continued competition with Eli Lilly in obesity treatments.
