STAT+: Despite Novo drug’s failure, cardiologists say they will still pursue anti-inflammatories

CHICAGO — Out-of-control inflammation is often called the root of all evil in cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Recent clinical trial results, described in brief in July, showed that while an experimental drug could lower two biomarkers of inflammation, it didn’t limit serious heart events in patients with severe illness. The Novo Nordisk study, called ZEUS, showed that the monoclonal antibody ziltivekimab reduced levels of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6, or IL-6, but that drop did not translate into fewer heart attacks, strokes, or deaths in the treatment group compared to those taking a placebo. Once top-line results were disclosed, Novo halted two other trials of the drug called HERMES and ATHENA after a data monitoring committee found in September they were unlikely to succeed. The ZEUS results were detailed further on Saturday at the American Heart Association’s scientific sessions and published simultaneously in the New England Journal of Medicine. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe