▎WuXiEdited by Kant Content Team

Novo Nordisk today announced the primary results of the Phase 3b clinical trial STEP UP. STEP UP is a 72-week efficacy and safety trial comparing the effects of once-weekly subcutaneous injections of 7.2 mg semaglutide, 2.4 mg semaglutide, and placebo. The trial included 1,407 randomized obese adults, with all treatment groups accompanied by lifestyle intervention.

The trial met its primary endpoint, with results showing,At week 72, 7.2 mg semaglutide significantly reduced body weight compared to placebo. In the group fully adhering to the treatment regimen, patients receiving 7.2 mg semaglutide achieved a 20.7% weight loss from an average baseline weight of 113 kg after 72 weeks, while those on 2.4 mg semaglutide experienced a 17.5% weight reduction, and the placebo group only saw a 2.4% decrease.Moreover, after 72 weeks, 33.2% of patients in the 7.2 mg semaglutide treatment group achieved weight loss of 25% or more, compared to 16.7% in the 2.4 mg semaglutide treatment group and 0.0% in the placebo group.

In the scenario where adherence to the treatment regimen is not considered, patients receiving 7.2 mg semaglutide experienced a weight reduction of 18.7%, compared to 15.6% in the 2.4 mg semaglutide group and 3.9% in the placebo group.

The trial showed that 7.2 mg semaglutide had good safety and tolerability. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal symptoms, the vast majority of which were mild to moderate and diminished over time, consistent withGlucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drugs are consistent in characteristics.

Results from another Phase 3 clinical trial of 7.2 mg semaglutide, STEP UP T2D (in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity), are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that stimulates insulin production, inhibits glucagon secretion, and reduces appetite and food intake.Semaglutide was initially approved and marketed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes (brand name: Ozempic). In light of its significant weight loss effects, in June 2021, the FDA approved it for treating general obesity (brand name: Wegovy), making it the first new drug approved by the U.S. FDA for controlling common obesity or overweight since 2014. Later that same year, the drug also received EU approval for the treatment of obesity indications. In March 2024, the U.S. FDA approved Wegovy injection to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in adults with cardiovascular disease who are obese or overweight.

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