SELECT trial: Semaglutide 2.4 mg significantly reduces hospital admissions in adults with heart disease and obesity

Novo Nordisk today presented an analysis from the SELECT cardiovascular outcomes trial at ObesityWeek®, showing significant reductions in hospital admissions and duration of hospitalization for adults with obesity or overweight and established cardiovascular disease (CVD) who were treated with semaglutide 2.4 mg. The trial focused on individuals without diabetes. The findings were part of an oral session at the annual conference, shedding light on how semaglutide 2.4 mg impacts the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) such as heart attacks, strokes, or death in this demographic.

Cardiovascular disease, which includes various heart and blood vessel conditions, remains the leading cause of death worldwide and incurs substantial healthcare costs. Obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by contributing to other cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Alarmingly, two-thirds of patients with obesity or overweight succumb to cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Steven E. Kahn from the University of Washington underscored the challenges faced by individuals with obesity and existing cardiovascular disease, who are more likely to be hospitalized due to events like heart attacks or strokes. According to Dr. Kahn, the SELECT trial revealed that patients receiving semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly showed significant reductions in both hospital admissions and the overall time spent in hospitals.

The SELECT analysis indicated that fewer patients on semaglutide 2.4 mg experienced their first hospital admission for any reason compared to those on a placebo (33.4% vs. 36.7%). The incidence of serious adverse events leading to hospital admission was also lower (30.3% vs. 33.4%). Additionally, the total number of hospitalizations for all reasons was reduced in the semaglutide group (18.3 vs. 20.4 admissions per 100 patient years), as well as hospitalizations due to serious adverse events (15.2 vs. 17.1 admissions per 100 patient years). Furthermore, patients on semaglutide 2.4 mg spent fewer days in the hospital both for all reasons (157.2 vs. 176.2 days per 100 patient years) and for serious adverse events (137.6 vs. 153.9 days per 100 patient years).

In the SELECT trial, the safety data collection was limited to serious adverse events, those leading to discontinuation, and specific adverse events of interest. The proportion of patients experiencing serious adverse events was 33.4% in those given semaglutide 2.4 mg and 36.4% for those on placebo. A notable 16% of patients on semaglutide and 8% on placebo discontinued the trial due to adverse events, with gastrointestinal issues being the most frequent cause of discontinuation.

Michelle Skinner, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Novo Nordisk, expressed satisfaction with the findings from the SELECT trial. She emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of people with chronic diseases. The new analysis from SELECT highlights the impact of semaglutide 2.4 mg on reducing repeat hospitalizations and prolonged hospital stays, addressing significant concerns related to healthcare costs and quality.

The SELECT trial was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study initiated in 2018, involving 17,604 adults across 41 countries. The trial was designed to assess the efficacy of semaglutide 2.4 mg in lowering the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in people with established cardiovascular disease without diabetes.

Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare leader, has been innovating treatments for people with diabetes for over 100 years. Their expertise extends to addressing other serious chronic conditions like obesity and rare blood and endocrine disorders. With facilities across the United States, Novo Nordisk continues to focus on long-term, responsible business practices to drive change in healthcare.