Novo Nordisk A/S's (NOVO-B.KO) diabetes treatment Victoza has had a positive reception since it was launched on a number of European markets in July, Chief Executive Lars Rebien Sorensen said at a conference call Thursday, following the Danish pharmaceutical company's second-quarter report.

He said the price of the drug in 1.2 milligram doses is similar to the price of rival treatment Byetta from Eli Lilly (LLY) and Amylin Pharmaceutical (AMLN).

Analysts and investors have seen significant sales potential for Victoza, which in contrast to conventional diabetes treatment with insulin doesn't risk pushing blood glucose dangerously low and also helps patients to lose weight.

Earlier Thursday, Novo Nordisk posted a consensus-beating 21% rise in second-quarter net profit to 2.99 billion Danish kroner ($579 million) on strong insulin analogue sales, and raised its full-year outlook for underlying operating profit.

Company Web site: http://www.novonordisk.com

-By Gustav Sandstrom, Dow Jones Newswires; +46-8-5451-3099; gustav.sandstrom@dowjones.com