Novo Nordisk reports that a new clinical trial of its diabetes drug, Victoza (liraglutide), involving 9,000 adults with Type 2 diabetes found the medication significantly reduced the risk of heart attack or stroke.

The trial compared the addition of either Victoza or placebo to standard of care and found a statistically significant reduction in cardiovascular risk among individuals taking the medication.

"People with Type 2 diabetes generally have a higher risk of experiencing major adverse cardiovascular events. That's why we are very excited about the results from [the study], which showed that Victoza, in addition to helping people with Type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels, also reduces their risk of major adverse cardiovascular events," said Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, executive vice president and chief science officer of Novo Nordisk.

"[This] is the largest and longest Novo Nordisk clinical trial to report to date, and we look forward to sharing the detailed results with the medical community and submitting the findings to the regulatory authorities."

The findings are scheduled to be presented at the 76th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association in June.