London : A major study conducted by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has revealed that its obesity drug semaglutide, marketed as Wegovy, can reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) by 20% in adults with established cardiovascular disease (CVD) and overweight or obesity without diabetes.
The study, which included 17,604 adults from 41 countries, aged 45 or older with preexisting cardiovascular disease and a body-mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater but no history of diabetes, demonstrated significant risk reductions across various cardiovascular outcomes.
The findings were presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) annual Scientific Sessions in Philadelphia and concurrently published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).Results indicated a 28% reduction in the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction or heart attack, a 15% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular death, and a 7% reduction in the risk of non-fatal stroke compared to the placebo group.
Semaglutide, administered as a once-weekly injection to aid weight loss, also showed positive effects on blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.The study found that the risk reductions were apparent soon after the initiation of semaglutide, suggesting an effect beyond weight loss alone. Importantly, these risk reductions remained consistent across age, gender, ethnicity, and starting BMI.
Dr. Michael Lincoff, the lead study author and vice chair for research in the Cleveland Clinic Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, stated, “For the first time, we have evidence that semaglutide 2.4 mg improves cardiovascular outcomes in at-risk patients with BMI of 27 and above with established CVD, without diabetes.” He added that the observed risk reduction in MACE highlights the potential for semaglutide as a new option in obesity treatment, addressing leading causes of preventable death worldwide.
The study also revealed an 18% reduction in the risk of composite heart failure events and a 19% reduction in the risk of death from any cause compared to the placebo group. Novo Nordisk has submitted a request to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to include heart benefits on Wegovy’s label, similar to Ozempic’s label. The positive cardiovascular outcomes of semaglutide may represent a significant advancement in the treatment of obesity-related cardiovascular risks.