ZEUS Finds No Cardiovascular Benefit With Ziltivekimab

Monthly subcutaneous injection of ziltivekimab did not reduce major cardiovascular events compared with placebo in the phase 3 ZEUS (Ziltivekimab  Cardiovascular Outcomes) trial. Ziltivekimab is an investigational, fully human monoclonal antibody being developed by Novo Nordisk that targets the interleukin-6 (IL-6) ligand to lower systemic inflammation. 

The double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled more than 6,300 people with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels of at least 2mg/L. The trial evaluated ziltivekimab 15mg  subcutaneous injection once monthly versus placebo.

For the primary three-point major adverse cardiovascular event composite, the hazard ratio was 0.99. Evidence of target engagement and suppression of inflammatory biomarkers were reported in the trial, but these effects did not translate into a reduction in the primary clinical outcome.

Serious infections occurred more frequently with ziltivekimab, while all-cause mortality did not differ between groups. In ZEUS, ziltivekimab did not reduce major adverse cardiovascular events in this population despite evidence of target engagement and interleukin-6 pathway inhibition.

This data wasreleased as headline results without a complete endpoint table. Additional trial details remain pending presentation of the full results at a scientific meeting in 2026.

Source: Novo Nordisk A/S. Novo Nordisk provides update on the ZEUS phase 3 trial in people with ASCVD, CKD and inflammation. July 31, 2026. Accessed August 3, 2026.