UPDATE 1-Novo Nordisk says Victoza cleared for EU market
* Diabetes treatment Victoza gets EU marketing approval
* Approval was expected after EU drugs agency recommendation
* Launch planned for this year and in 2010
* Novo says approval does not change 2009 outlook
(Adds details, quotes, share price, background)
COPENHAGEN, July 3 (Reuters) - Danish pharmaceuticals group Novo Nordisk's (NOVOb.CO: Quote, Profile, Research) diabetes drug Victoza, a key driver for future sales, has won European Commission approval for marketing across the European Union, the company said on Friday.
The move had been expected, following a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency on April23.
"The European Commission has granted marketing authorisation for Victoza for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults," Novo Nordisk said in a statement, calling it an "important milestone".
The company will launch Victoza -- which is the brand name for liraglutide -- in Britain, Germany and Denmark this summer and in other European markets in the second half of 2009 and throughout 2010, Novo Nordisk said. Continued...
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