Semaglutide fails to slow Alzheimer’s progression in trials
An oral version of semaglutide, the active ingredient in blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, failed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in closely watched trials, reports BritPanorama.
In two Phase 3 trials involving more than 3,800 adults receiving standard care for Alzheimer’s, Novo Nordisk evaluated whether an older pill form of semaglutide was more effective than a placebo. While the drug proved safe and led to improvements in Alzheimer’s-related biomarkers, it did not delay disease progression.
Novo had initially regarded Alzheimer’s as a long-shot opportunity for its popular GLP-1 drugs. The use of these medications for diabetes and weight loss has surged in recent years, with studies indicating potential benefits in various health conditions such as cardiac and kidney protection, improved sleep apnea, and even addiction issues.
Previous smaller trials and animal studies suggested GLP-1s might help slow cognitive decline or reduce neuro-inflammation; however, larger studies such as Novo’s were necessary to confirm tangible benefits for patients.
“Based on the significant unmet need in Alzheimer’s disease as well as a number of indicative data points, we felt we had a responsibility to explore semaglutide’s potential, despite a low likelihood of success,” stated Martin Holst Lange, chief scientific officer and executive vice president of Research and Development at Novo Nordisk, in a statement thanking trial participants.
Novo announced the discontinuation of a one-year extension to the trials. Although results from these trials have yet to be peer-reviewed or published, they will be shared at forthcoming scientific conferences.
Amid rising competition in the weight loss market, Novo has recently lowered prices for some cash-paying patients using Ozempic and Wegovy. Following the announcement of the Alzheimer’s trial results, Novo shares experienced a decline.
