Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy (semaglutide) has achieved its primary efficacy standard in the Phase III SELECT study, showing a robust effect on cardiovascular well-being in overweight and obese adults without diabetes. This remarkable news brings new hope to those struggling with obesity, offering an effective, safe and easy-to-use weight-loss solution.
Novo Nordisk’s once-weekly Wegovy injections demonstrated a significant impact on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) when administered at a 2.4-mg dose level. The injection reduced the number of MACE occurrences by 20%, as compared to the placebo group. Additionally, the drug was well-tolerated and had a safety profile consistent with prior studies.
Investors sent shares of Novo surging 11% in pre-market trading Tuesday following the release of data showing that Wegovy had effectively reduced the frequency of Cardiovascular Death, Non-fatal Myocardial Infarction, and Non-fatal Stroke — the three components that make up the composite term MACE.
Wegovy—a weight management medication with dual benefits—has shown great promise in helping overweight and obese adults, who have a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, and yet lack any approved prescription option for their condition. According to Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president for development at Novo, SELECT’s results suggest that Wegovy could be just what the doctor ordered.
Novo Nordisk has exciting news to share! The landmark SELECT trial has shown that semaglutide 2.4 mg could revolutionize how obesity is treated. The data from this trial has spurred the company to apply for label expansions of this drug with regulatory authorities in both the United States and EU in 2021. Novo Nordisk plans to reveal more detailed data and analyses from SELECT in an upcoming congress.
Semaglutide is a revolutionary therapeutic peptide designed to help regulate blood sugar levels. By mimicking the GLP-1 hormone and activating its corresponding receptor, this drug stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin in response to a high sugar concentration, while also curbing glucose production in the liver. In this way, Semaglutide offers an innovative strategy for reducing the effects of diabetes.
Semaglutide, marketed under the brand names Wegovy and Ozempic, has earned the FDA’s approval for weight loss and Type 2 diabetes due to its effective mechanism of action. It is showing promise in helping people manage these conditions and improve their quality of life.
Mounjaro, an injectable anti-diabetic medication developed by Eli Lilly, is a direct rival to Novo’s semaglutide when it comes to weight loss and diabetes treatment. Although Mounjaro does not have an authorized weight-loss use just yet, Lilly is working diligently to make a strong case for approving it for this indication.
In July 2022, Mounjaro demonstrated its potential to cause significant and lasting weight loss in overweight or obese adults without Type 2 diabetes, as revealed in Phase III SURMOUNT-1 study results. Then, moving to April 2023, the company published data from the SURMOUNT-2 study, showing Mounjaro had the same effect in those with diabetes and overweight or obesity.
Lilly made a significant investment in weight loss treatments last month when it acquired Versanis and its primary asset, bimagrumab, for $1.9 billion. The new drug has the potential to significantly reduce fat mass without compromising muscle mass, offering a new hope for people seeking an effective solution for long-term weight-loss.