Analysis shows Victoza reduces risk of major cardiovascular events in diabetic patients

An analysis of the LEADER trial, evaluating the long-term effects of Victoza (liraglutide), has shown that the treatment reduces the risk of major cardiovascular (CV) events in people with type 2 diabetes at high CV risk.

The LEADER trial compares treatment with Victoza to placebo — both in addition to standard of care — in people with type 2 diabetes at high risk of major CV events. In the post-hoc analysis, it was found that the treatment arm of the study experienced a 16% risk reduction of major CV events in those patients who had previously had a heart attack and/or stroke when the trial commenced. Additionally, for those people who had no previous experience of a CV event, there was an 11% risk reduction when treated with Victoza in addition to standard of care therapy.

“This new analysis expands our understanding of the benefits of Victoza in reducing cardiovascular risk in people with type 2 diabetes,” said Professor Neil Poulter, on behalf of the LEADER Trial Steering Committee and Investigators. “These encouraging results are consistent with the cardiovascular benefits of Victoza observed in LEADER in both people with a history of having a heart attack and/or stroke as well as people at high risk without prior history of these types of cardiovascular events.”

This post-hoc analysis has been presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Annual Congress in Barcelona, Spain.