The company’s oral semaglutide, Rybelsus, has been found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes by 14%
Victoza (liraglutide) 6mg/mL pre-filled injection pens, previously used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), have been out of stock in the UK since August 2023.
Novo Nordisk has confirmed to The Pharmaceutical Journal that the product has now been discontinued as part of their broader strategy to consolidate their portfolio.
The Danish pharmaceutical company said that they are in close dialogue with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), which is expected to release guidance outlining timelines, alternative treatments, and recommended next steps for healthcare professionals.
However, the company clarified that they have no plans to discontinue Saxenda (liraglutide) pre-filled injection pens, though this product has also faced supply restrictions in the UK since shortages began.
The DHSC initially announced a national shortage of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), including Victoza, in June 2023. At that time, prescribers were advised to limit use of these drugs for their licensed indications and to avoid initiating new GLP-1 RA therapies for T2DM patients during the shortage.
In July 2023, Novo Nordisk reported that it was experiencing supply shortages for Ozempic (semaglutide), Rybelsus (semaglutide), Victoza (liraglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). The company attributed these shortages to a surge in demand, both for licensed uses and off-label indications.
The shortage of GLP-1 RAs prompted the DHSC to issue a National Patient Safety alert on 18 July 2023, highlighting that supplies were unlikely to stabilise to meet full demand until at least mid-2024.
GLP-1 RAs are recommended for managing blood glucose levels in people with T2DM, but have gained popularity for weight loss.
However, the DHSC strongly discouraged their off-label use of these agents for obesity management, emphasising the potential risks for T2DM patients due to the limited supply.
In January 2024, the DHSC warned that the shortages of GLP-1 RAs would likely persist throughout the year and advised prescribers to switch patients on Byetta and Victoza to Rybelsus tablets, ensuring proper patient counseling on the changes.
Recent data from Novo Nordisk, released on 21 October 2024, showed that its oral diabetes medication Rybelsus significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular events, including cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack, and stroke by 14 per cent compared to a placebo.
The company plans to seek label expansions for Rybelsus in the United States and the European Union around the beginning of the next year, as reported by Reuters.
