Ziltivekimab fails to reduce cardiovascular events in ZEUS trial

Results from the phase 3 ZEUS trial indicate that the interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibitor ziltivekimab did not reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), such as heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death, compared to a placebo. The study involved 6,376 adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and inflammation across 757 sites in 38 countries.

While the drug successfully met its biological targets by lowering high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) by 64% and IL-6 by 76%, it failed to reach its primary clinical endpoint. The trial reported a hazard ratio of 0.99. Regarding safety, overall side effect rates were similar between groups, though serious infections were more frequent in the ziltivekimab group at 20.4% compared to 17.9% for the placebo group.

The findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2026, come as other clinical trials for ziltivekimab, including HERMES and ARTEMIS, continue. Those studies are expected to provide further data in the first half of 2027.