Novo Nordisk's Semaglutide Reduces Cardiovascular Events in Obesity Trial

Novo Nordisk recently announced positive results from a trial evaluating their obesity treatment, semaglutide, which is marketed as Wegovy. The trial focused on assessing the drug's ability to reduce cardiovascular events, going beyond its known benefits in weight loss. This Danish pharmaceutical company reported that a 2.4 mg dose of semaglutide led to a 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) compared to a placebo when administered as a subcutaneous once-weekly injection.

The double-blinded trial, called Select, involved the participation of 17,604 adults aged 45 years or older who were overweight or obese and had a history of cardiovascular disease without prior diabetes diagnoses. Over a period of up to five years, semaglutide was given alongside the standard care for cardiovascular event prevention.

The efficacy of semaglutide in managing weight and its potential to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death is significant news for individuals living with obesity. According to Martin Holst Lange, the executive vice president for development at Novo Nordisk, there are currently no approved weight management medications that have been proven to deliver effective weight loss and simultaneously reduce the risk of such grave cardiovascular consequences.

In light of these promising results, Novo Nordisk plans to seek regulatory approval for semaglutide 2.4 mg's label indication expansion both in the United States and the European Union by 2023. Additionally, detailed findings from the Select trial will be shared at an upcoming scientific conference later this year.

It is important to note that Wegovy, the commercial name for semaglutide, is an injectable treatment used once a week for obesity and diabetes management.