Wegovy can reduce heart failure symptoms in obese patients, study shows
25 Aug 2023
Phase 3AHAClinical Result
Preview
Source: Pharmaceutical Technology
Robert Barrie
Preview
Source: Pharmaceutical Technology
The results from a global Phase III trial funded by Novo Nordisk found significant symptom improvement in patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Image credit: Shutterstock/JHVEPhoto.
Data published in The New England Journal of Medicine has demonstrated that Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster weight loss drug Wegovy (2.4mg subcutaneous semaglutide) can reduce heart-failure-related symptoms in people with obesity.
The results from a global Phase III trial funded by Novo Nordisk found significant symptom improvement in patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) – a condition that comprises roughly half of all heart failure cases.
Recommended Reports
Preview
Source: Pharmaceutical Technology
ReportsLOA and PTSR Model - Clenbuterol Hydrochloride in Mild Cognitive Impairment GlobalData
Preview
Source: Pharmaceutical Technology
ReportsLOA and PTSR Model - Levetiracetam Er in Mild Cognitive Impairment GlobalData
View allCompanies IntelligenceNovo Nordisk ASSaint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute View all
In the randomised, placebo-controlled trial (NCT04788511), Wegovy was administered as a 2.4mg weekly dose in 529 patients. After a year, it led to an estimated mean difference of 7.8 points in the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire clinical summary score – a patient-reported outcome for heart failure symptoms and limitations, compared to placebo. Along with leading to a larger reduction in body weight (13.3% versus 2.6%), Wegovy also vastly increased the distance patients were able to walk in six minutes compared to placebo – 21.5 metres versus 1.2 metres.
The authors of the paper noted that one of the limitations of the study was that it focused on symptoms, physical limitations, and exercise function and could not take into account the efficacy in more serious instances such as hospitalisations. Lack of patient diversity was also a factor to consider for drawing widespread implications of the results, with the number of non-White participants being low.
The findings, which were also presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress in Amsterdam on 25 August, hint that semaglutide – also sold at a different dose under the brand name Ozempic – could be used in an expanded indication for heart failure.
Novo Nordisk is not attempting to hide the expansive plans for its prize asset. The company has already unveiled positive results from a Phase III trial investigating Wegovy in some 17,600 adults with cardiovascular disease.
In the last few years, Novo Nordisk has had to contend with undeliverable demand for Wegovy. The company has moved to increase infrastructure capabilities to roll out the drug, including a recent manufacturing contract with life science giant Thermo Fisher. The drug is the main driver of the company’s sales, helping set an expected growth of 24% – 30% for 2023.
“As clinicians, we have limited treatment options to offer our patients living with HFpEF and obesity. Yet this is a condition that seriously impacts patients’ day-to-day experience, due to debilitating symptoms and functional limitations,” said Dr. Mikhail Kosiborod, lead study investigator and cardiologist at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, US.
For more details,please visit the original website
The content of the article does not represent any opinions of Synapse and its affiliated companies. If there is any copyright infringement or error, please contact us, and we will deal with it within 24 hours.
Organizations
Indications
Targets
-Hot reports
Get started for free today!
Accelerate Strategic R&D decision making with Synapse, PatSnap’s AI-powered Connected Innovation Intelligence Platform Built for Life Sciences Professionals.
Start your data trial now!
Synapse data is also accessible to external entities via APIs or data packages. Leverages most recent intelligence information, enabling fullest potential.