Novo Nordisk shares plunge after heart drug Ziltivekimab fails late-stage trial

Published Aug 2, 08:33 PM UTC

Novo Nordisk's stock fell sharply on July 31, 2026, after its experimental heart drug Ziltivekimab failed the main goal of the large late-stage ZEUS trial. The drug, a once-monthly injection targeting inflammation via IL-6 blockade, did not reduce major adverse cardiovascular events in over 6,300 patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and inflammation. The hazard ratio was 0.99, indicating no benefit over placebo. Patients on the drug had more serious infections. The failure is a major setback for Novo Nordisk's efforts to diversify beyond its blockbuster weight-loss and diabetes drugs Wegovy and Ozempic. The company expects a non-cash impairment charge in Q3 2026 but maintained its full-year operating profit outlook. The stock drop reflects investor disappointment as analysts had projected billions in potential sales for Ziltivekimab.