By Jamie Gumbrecht, NCS
(NCS) — An oral model of semaglutide, the lively ingredient in blockbuster medication Ozempic and Wegovy, failed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s illness in intently watched trials, Novo Nordisk mentioned Monday.
In two Phase 3 trials of greater than 3,800 adults receiving customary take care of Alzheimer’s, the corporate evaluated whether or not an older tablet type of semaglutide labored higher than a placebo. The drug was proven to be secure and led to enhancements in Alzheimer’s-related biomarkers, the corporate said, however the therapy didn’t delay illness progression.
Novo had lengthy handled Alzheimer’s as a long-shot wager for the favored GLP-1 medication. Use of these medication for diabetes and weight reduction has exploded in current years, they usually have proven advantages for a variety of extra well being situations, reminiscent of defending the center and kidneys, lowering sleep apnea and probably serving to with dependancy.
Smaller trials and animal research had prompt GLP-1s may assist slow cognitive decline or scale back neuro-inflammation however bigger trials like Novo’s had been wanted to affirm whether or not sufferers noticed precise advantages.
“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,” mentioned Martin Holst Lange, chief scientific officer and govt vice chairman of Research and Development at Novo Nordisk mentioned in an announcement on Monday that thanked trial contributors.
A one-year extension of the trials might be discontinued, Novo mentioned. Results from the trials haven’t but been peer-reviewed or printed however might be introduced at upcoming scientific conferences.
Novo has been going through elevated competitors in the load loss market and just lately introduced lowered costs for some cash-paying sufferers utilizing Ozempic and Wegovy. Novo shares fell Monday after the Alzheimer’s trial announcement.
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