July 31 (Reuters) - Novo Nordisk said on Friday

its experimental drug failed to reduce the risk of major

cardiovascular events in a late-stage trial involving patients

with cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and

inflammation.

U.S.-listed shares of the Danish drugmaker were down 10%

before the bell.

Thecompany was testing ziltivekimab, a monoclonal antibody

that targets a protein called IL-6 ligand, designed to reduce

cardiovascular inflammation and improve cardiovascular outcomes.

Novo Nordisk said the trial outcome will not affect its

adjusted operating profit outlook for 2026, but it will lead to

a non-cash impairment charge in the third quarter.