Novo Nordisk (NVO) has launched its type II diabetes treatment, Ryzodeg, in Mexico. This makes Mexico the first country where Ryzodeg is commercially available.
Moreover, Ryzodeg is the first approved drug comprising a combination of basal insulin and an ultra-long duration of action meal-time insulin in one pen for the treatment of type II diabetes. Being a combination drug, Ryzodeg requires lesser number of daily injections compared to the administration of basal and mealtime insulin in separate injections.
According to the press release issued by Novo Nordisk, more than 50% of type II diabetes patients who are treated with basal insulin fail to achieve their glycemic targets as measured by hemoglobin A1c. Some patients eventually require intensified insulin treatment through the addition of mealtime insulin (bolus therapy) to achieve or maintain their glycemic targets over time.
Novo Nordisk noted in its press release that there are approximately 8.7 million diabetics in Mexico. In 2013, 70,281 people in this country died due to diabetes-related conditions.
Ryzodeg is also approved in several countries in Europe, North and South Americas, Russia and Asia.
Novo Nordisk intends to launch Ryzodeg commercially in other countries by 2015.
Meanwhile, Tresiba, a new generation insulin, is being evaluated in the DEVOTE study for additional cardiovascular data on the candidate. We are encouraged by the company’s progress in the study so far. Patient enrolment in the study should be completed within the next six months. The company intends to file an NDA for both Tresiba and Ryzodeg in the first half of 2015. We expect investor focus to remain on the status of the DEVOTE study going forward.
Novo Nordisk carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Some better-ranked stocks in the pharmaceutical sector are Allergan Inc. (AGN), Mallinckrodt plc (MNK) and Endo International plc (ENDP). All these stocks carry a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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