Wegovy, a popular weight loss medication, has been found to reduce the risk of significant cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes by 20%, as revealed by the results of a significant trial disclosed on Tuesday.
The drug, also known as semaglutide and marketed by Novo Nordisk under the name Wegovy, is administered via a weekly injection and aids in weight loss.
In a comprehensive, five-year trial that employed double-blind methodology, the effectiveness of Wegovy was evaluated against a placebo in combination with standard care for preventing major adverse cardiac events. The trial involved 17,604 adults aged 45 or above, all of whom had overweight or obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD), but no prior history of diabetes.
The trial outcomes demonstrated that individuals treated with the 2.4 mg dosage of semaglutide exhibited a 20% reduced risk of experiencing cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attacks, or non-fatal strokes compared to those who received the placebo.
Emaglutide 2.4 mg reduces the risk of cardiovascular events
Moreover, during the trial, the 2.4 mg dosage of semaglutide displayed a favorable safety and tolerance profile.
Martin Holst Lange, the Executive Vice-President for Development at Novo Nordisk, expressed enthusiasm about the results, stating, “People with obesity face an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. However, up until now, there haven’t been any approved weight management medications that not only effectively manage weight but also decrease the likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, or cardiovascular-related deaths. Thus, we are highly encouraged by the findings indicating that semaglutide 2.4 mg reduces the risk of cardiovascular events.”
Lange further added, “The groundbreaking trial has showcased the potential of semaglutide 2.4 mg to reshape how we perceive and treat obesity.”
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These findings, though yet to undergo peer review or publication in a medical journal, are slated to be presented at an upcoming scientific conference in the latter part of 2023, according to the company.
Furthermore, the company intends to seek regulatory approvals to include the cardiovascular benefits in the drug’s prescribing information.
