Novo Nordisk (NVO) Stock Tumbles 9% as ZEUS Trial Falls Short of Cardiovascular Goals
Key HighlightsNovo Nordisk shares declined more than 9% following disappointing ZEUS cardiovascular trial outcomes.The study demonstrated reduced inflammation markers but failed to decrease major heart-related events.The experimental drug ziltivekimab posted a 0.99 hazard ratio compared to placebo in phase 3 testing.Higher serious infection rates were observed in the treatment group, though total mortality remained comparable.Two ongoing trials, HERMES and ARTEMIS, are projected to deliver results in the first half of 2027. Shares of Novo Nordisk declined 9.18% to $46.85 following the announcement that its ZEUS cardiovascular trial did not achieve its primary endpoint of reducing major adverse cardiac events. The disappointing outcome raised questions about ziltivekimabs clinical potential, even though the drug demonstrated clear biological effects on inflammation markers associated with heart and kidney conditions. The company emphasized that this development will not impact its adjusted operating profit forecast for the full 2026 fiscal year. Novo Nordisk A/S, NVO ZEUS Study Falls Short of Primary Cardiovascular Endpoint Novo Nordisk enrolled more than 6,300 participants with established cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and elevated systemic inflammation in its phase 3 ZEUS investigation. The randomized, double-blind trial evaluated a monthly 15-milligram dose of ziltivekimab against a placebo control over an extended observation period. The primary composite