Danish pharmaceutical major Novo Nordisk has announced that etavopivat met both primary endpoints in the Phase 3 Hibiscus trial for the treatment of sickle cell disease.

The drug reduced vaso-occlusive crises by 27 percent and increased the proportion of patients with improved hemoglobin levels to 48.7 percent, compared to 7.2 percent for the placebo group.

The time to first crisis was also extended. The company plans to file for regulatory approval in the second half of 2026.