Novo Nordisk abandons two phase 3 trials of ziltivekimab, dimming blockbuster hopes

Novo Nordisk announced it is terminating two late‑stage phase 3 studies of its IL‑6 ligand antibody ziltivekimab.

The Hermes and Athena trials enrolled about 4,900 and 673 patients with heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction, and were designed to assess whether the drug could reduce death or hospitalization.

The decision follows a data monitoring committee review that cited a low likelihood of a different outcome after the earlier Zeus trial in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and inflammation missed its primary endpoint.

Analysts had previously viewed ziltivekimab as a potential blockbuster that could broaden Novo’s cardiovascular portfolio beyond obesity and diabetes, but the trial cancellations now dampen those expectations.