Clinical Trials

Novo Nordisk has shared results from the SELECT cardiovascular outcomes trial, which show that a once-weekly subcutaneous dose of Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) by 20% in overweight or obese adults over the age of 45 with established cardiovascular disease (CVD) and no prior history of diabetes.

The double-blind trial enrolled 17,604 adult patients and compared the drug to a placebo dose, showing a statistically significant and superior reduction in MACE of 20% for those treated with Wegovy compared to the placebo.

Throughout the trial, the drug appeared to be safe and well-tolerated, consistent with previous trials.

Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president for Development at Novo Nordisk, commented: "People living with obesity have an increased risk of CVD but to date, there are no approved weight management medications proven to deliver effective weight management while also reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular death. Therefore, we are very excited about the results from SELECT showing that semaglutide 2.4mg reduces the risk of cardiovascular events. SELECT is a landmark trial and has demonstrated that semaglutide 2.4mg has the potential to change how obesity is regarded and treated.”

The company expects to file for regulatory approvals of Wegovy for this indication expansion in the US and EU before the end of 2023, with detailed results from this trial to be presented later this year.