27 January 2020 - Continuing a string of NICE rejections, Novo Nordisk’s weight management drug Saxenda (liraglutide) is next to take a hit from the organisation.

NICE has issued a draft guidance on the treatment, in which it is not recommended, within its marketing authorisation, for managing overweight and obesity in adults alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

The decision was allegedly made as clinical trial evidence showed that Saxenda’s long-term effectiveness, particularly on reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, is unknown despite the drug with lifestyle measures being more effective for weight loss. It was also shown to delay the development of type II diabetes more than lifestyle measures alone, but NICE cites “uncertainty in the clinical evidence, even in this high-risk subgroup”, as well as “highly uncertain” cost-effectiveness.

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