Novo Nordisk’s IL-6 inhibitor ziltivekimab failed to reduce major cardiovascular events in the late-stage ZEUS Phase 3 program, sending shares down more than 9% in premarket trading. The trial tested whether reducing inflammation could translate into lower risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and inflammation. Despite encouraging earlier biomarker signals, including reductions in C-reactive protein in mid-stage studies, the cardiovascular benefit did not materialize in ZEUS, according to Novo’s Friday release. Analysts flagged the study as a high-conviction but high-risk differentiation attempt after pressure in the cardiometabolic market. Novo said the study “provides important scientific evidence” and reiterated its cardiovascular commitment. Ziltivekimab remains under evaluation in heart failure (HERMES) and acute heart attack (ARTEMIS), with readouts expected in the first half of next year.