ZEUS Phase 3 trial of ziltivekimab misses cardiovascular endpoint

Ziltivekimab 15 mg, given once monthly, did not reduce major adverse cardiovascular events versus placebo in the ZEUS Phase 3 trial of more than 6,300 people with cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and elevated inflammation. The drug lowered IL-6 and hsCRP as expected, so the biology worked but the clinical benefit did not follow. Novo expects a non-cash impairment in Q3 2026 but says the ZEUS result does not change its 2026 adjusted operating profit outlook.

• Hazard ratio 0.99 (95% CI 0.88 to 1.11) versus placebo for MACE
• More than 6,300 participants with ASCVD, CKD and inflammation
• Serious infections were more common on the drug than on placebo
• Non-cash impairment expected in Q3 2026
• 2026 adjusted operating profit outlook unchanged; full data due at a 2026 scientific meeting