Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide 7.2 mg sets new standard in obesity treatment with STEP UP trial results

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, a leader in chronic disease care, has unveiled compelling results from its STEP UP trial. This global, phase 3b clinical study, part of the STEP programme, evaluated the efficacy of in reducing body weight compared to the lower dose of 2.4 mg (marketed as ) and a placebo. The trial’s findings highlight a substantial advancement in obesity treatment, demonstrating superior weight loss outcomes for participants using the higher dose.

What Did the STEP UP Trial Reveal About Semaglutide’s Efficacy?

The STEP UP trial, conducted over 72 weeks, enrolled 1,407 adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) who did not have diabetes. Participants were divided into three groups, receiving semaglutide 7.2 mg, 2.4 mg, or a placebo, alongside lifestyle interventions involving reduced caloric intake and increased physical activity. The trial’s objective was to assess the superiority of semaglutide 7.2 mg in achieving weight loss compared to other treatments.

Results indicated that patients who adhered to semaglutide 7.2 mg achieved an impressive 20.7% reduction in body weight, significantly surpassing the 17.5% reduction observed with the 2.4 mg dose. The placebo group, in contrast, experienced a minimal reduction of 2.4%. Furthermore, when analyzed under a treatment policy estimand, which considers outcomes regardless of adherence, the higher dose still resulted in an 18.7% weight loss, compared to 15.6% with the 2.4 mg dose and 3.9% with the placebo.

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Why Is Semaglutide 7.2 mg a Game-Changer in Obesity Care?

The study’s findings reinforce semaglutide’s potential as a revolutionary tool in tackling obesity, a chronic condition affecting millions globally. Notably, 33.2% of participants treated with the 7.2 mg dose achieved a weight loss of 25% or more, a benchmark met by only 16.7% of those receiving the 2.4 mg dose. No participants in the placebo group reached this threshold. This remarkable efficacy positions semaglutide 7.2 mg as a promising option for patients seeking significant, sustainable weight loss.

Martin Holst Lange, Novo Nordisk’s Executive Vice President for Development, emphasized the importance of these results: “STEP UP further strengthens the clinical profile of semaglutide in obesity management. Achieving 20.7% weight loss in this trial underscores its potential to transform the standard of care, providing enhanced health benefits to patients.”

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How Safe Is Semaglutide 7.2 mg for Long-Term Use?

Safety remains a crucial consideration in obesity treatments, and semaglutide 7.2 mg demonstrated a favorable profile in the STEP UP trial. The most commonly reported adverse effects were gastrointestinal, including nausea and diarrhea, but these were generally mild to moderate and diminished over time. This safety profile aligns with expectations for GLP-1 receptor agonists, the drug class to which semaglutide belongs.

What’s Next for Semaglutide in Obesity Research?

Building on the success of STEP UP, Novo Nordisk is conducting the STEP UP T2D trial, which targets adults with both obesity and type 2 diabetes. The trial, also 72 weeks long, will explore the efficacy of semaglutide 7.2 mg in this population, with results expected later this year. These findings will provide further insights into semaglutide’s potential to address the intertwined challenges of obesity and diabetes.

The Broader Impact of Semaglutide and Wegovy

Semaglutide 2.4 mg, marketed as Wegovy, has already gained recognition for its role in weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction, as demonstrated in the SELECT trial. Approved for use in adults and children aged 12 and older, Wegovy is an adjunct to lifestyle interventions for individuals with obesity or overweight accompanied by weight-related conditions. The higher 7.2 mg dose builds on this foundation, offering enhanced efficacy while maintaining a similar safety profile.

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Why This Matters for Obesity Care and Public Health

Obesity is a pressing global health challenge, linked to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. The STEP UP trial results reaffirm Novo Nordisk’s commitment to pioneering solutions for these complex issues. By advancing treatments like semaglutide 7.2 mg, the company is helping reshape the landscape of obesity care, providing patients with innovative options for improving their health and quality of life.


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