Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide injection effective in weight loss trial
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in the US has reported that results from STEP 1 clinical trial of type-2 diabetes drug semaglutide (Ozempic) once weekly was linked to a sustained, clinically relevant reduction in body weight in obese adult participants.
The double-blind trial is funded by Novo Nordisk, which manufacturers Rybelsus and Ozempic (semaglutides for treating diabetes).
It had 1,961 subjects with a body-mass index (BMI) of 30 or above without diabetes. They were randomised into a 2:1 ratio to receive a once-weekly subcutaneous injection of semaglutide 2.4mg or placebo, along with lifestyle interventions, for 68 weeks.
The percentage change in body weight and weight reduction of at least 5% were the study’s co-primary endpoints.
According to the results, Semaglutide group showed an average reduction in body weight from baseline of 14.9% versus 2.4% in the placebo group, indicating a treatment difference of 12.4%.
Furthermore, 86.4% of subjects in the semaglutide group achieved weight reductions of 5% as compared with 31.5% in the placebo group, respectively.
Half of the subjects receiving semaglutide achieved a weight reduction of 15% or more versus 4.9% in the placebo group.
Northwestern Medicine internal medicine physician and Division of Endocrinology and of Medical Education Medicine professor Robert Kushner said: “This is by far the most effective intervention we have seen for weight management when you compare it to many of the currently existing drugs.
12th February 2021
https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/
