Novo Nordisk announced promising phase 3b STEP UP clinical trial data for a higher dose of its blockbuster weight-loss medication, Wegovy® (semaglutide). The trial showed that a 7.2 mg dose of the drug resulted in an average weight loss of 21% in adults with obesity.
The 72-week trial enrolled 1,407 individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher who had no history of diabetes. The outcomes were dramatic compared to a group receiving a placebo, with a substantial number of individuals in the higher dose of Wegovy® receiving a notable weight loss. It is particularly interesting that one-third of those in the active treatment arm lost 25% or more of their body weight.
The STEP UP trial demonstrated that we can increase the dose of semaglutide and achieve greater weight loss than previously seen, and in line with semaglutide’s established safety profile. This may offer another option to people who do not attain their weight goals,
We are already aware that semaglutide can have health benefits for people with heart disease, liver disease, knee osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. These findings help to give patients with obesity more options for improvements in their weight and overall health.
Sean Wharton
The main aim of the STEP UP trial was to determine whether or not the 7.2 mg dose of semaglutide was superior to a placebo for weight loss, and this was achieved. The results showed that 93.2% of participants taking the higher dose of Wegovy® lost at least 5% of their body weight, in comparison to just 35.7% of the participants in the group receiving a placebo.
With these results, semaglutide reaffirms its significant weight loss for people with obesity. The STEP UP trial delivers a substantial weight loss of over 20%, in addition to health benefits previously demonstrated with semaglutide,
As pioneers in obesity, we continue to develop new innovative treatments to fit the needs and preferences of people living with obesity. This includes maximising the value of semaglutide for individuals, healthcare systems and society, and developing a new oral formulation of Wegovy® that, pending FDA approval, can become the first GLP-1 pill to offer double-digit weight loss.
Ludovic Helfgott
Along with its effectiveness, the increased dose of Wegovy® also was shown to have a safety and tolerability profile equivalent to the presently approved 2.4 mg dose of semaglutide.
In the wake of these favorable results, Novo Nordisk has made it public that it will pursue labeling expansion for Wegovy® in the European Union in the second half of 2025. Its plan is also to make regulatory filings in other regions worldwide where the medication is currently marketed.
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Graduated from the University of Kerala with B.Sc. Botany and Biotechnology. Attained Post-Graduation in Biotechnology from the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Science (KUFOS) with the third rank. Conducted various seminars and attended major Science conferences. Done 6 months of internship in ICMR – National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad. 5 years of tutoring experience.
