Study finds Victoza more effective in treating Type 2 diabetes than competitor

PRINCETON, N.J. A study published online in the journal Diabetes Care indicated that a once-daily diabetes drug made by Novo Nordisk “further improves” blood sugar control and weight loss when patients switch to it from a competitor made by Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk announced Tuesday.

The study, conducted by the Danish drug maker, was a 26-week study in Type 2 diabetes patients taking Novo Nordisk’s Victoza (liraglutide) or Lilly’s twice-daily Byetta (exenatide). The drugs are the only glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1 agonists available on the market.

“Clinical benefits were seen in patients who switched from exenatide to Victoza,” University of North Carolina School of Medicine Diabetes Care Center director and study investigator John Buse said. “The significant improvements in blood sugar lowering and fasting glucose confirm the original findings of the trial regarding the efficacy of Victoza.”