Novo Nordisk wants to be a cardiovascular company, too, with sights set on inflammation

PHILADELPHIA – Novo Nordisk, which has dominated the diabetes and obesity markets with its blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, now also wants to be a major player in heart disease.

The landmark Select trial presented over the weekend – which showed Wegovy significantly cut the risk of heart complications – is just one of many efforts by the Danish drugmaker to expand into the cardiovascular space. It’s also developing several treatments specific to heart disease and is acquiring a medication for high blood pressure.

“We have a clear vision of being an established cardiovascular company, just as we see ourselves as leaders in diabetes and obesity,” Martin Lange, Novo’s executive vice president of development, said in an interview here at the American Heart Association conference.