Novo Nordisk initiates new Levemir study

Danish diabetes specialist Novo Nordisk says that the first patient has been visited in a new head-to-head clinical trial of once-daily Levemir  (insulin detemir) against insulin glargine. This study is the first time  the two basal insulins will be directly compared in an exclusively  once-daily regimen. Outcomes measured in the study will include  efficacy, effect on weight and hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes patients.

"This is the first study of its kind to directly compare once-daily  Levemir with insulin glargine, and the results will be important for  both physicians and patients. It will help them to understand the  comparative benefits of both insulins and choose the best treatment  option," said Christoph Koenen, corporate vice president, global medical  affairs, at Novo Nordisk.

"Previous studies have indicated that once-daily Levemir provides a  24-hour duration of action, HbA1c reductions equal to insulin glargine  and in addition has the benefit of less weight gain than other insulin  therapies," he added.