Novo Nordisk Says Weight-Loss Drug Cuts Risk of Cardiovascular Events

By Dominic Chopping

Shares in Denmark's Novo Nordisk rose 16% Tuesday after the company said a five-year study of its obesity drug showed it reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in overweight or obese adults by 20%.

Semaglutide, which is marketed as Wegovy, appeared to have a safe and well-tolerated profile and demonstrated a statistically significant and superior reduction in the cardiovascular events, the company said.

The trial involved 17,604 overweight or obese adults aged 45 years or older with established cardiovascular disease and no prior history of diabetes.

"People living with obesity have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease but to date, there are no approved weight management medications proven to deliver effective weight management while also reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular death," said Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president for Development at Novo Nordisk.

"Therefore, we are very excited about the results...showing that semaglutide 2.4 mg reduces the risk of cardiovascular events."

Novo Nordisk said it expects to file for regulatory approvals of a label indication expansion for semaglutide 2.4 mg in the U.S. and the EU in 2023.

Write to Dominic Chopping at dominic.chopping@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

August 08, 2023 06:45 ET (10:45 GMT)

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