Novo trial finds weight loss drug can cut heart attack risk

Researchers have drawn comparisons between Novo Nordisk’s diabetes and weight-loss drug semaglutide and the introduction of cholesterol-lowering statins in the 1990s. Speaking at the European Congress on Obesity this week, Professor John Deanfield said findings on improvement in cardiovascular health for those on the drug had “important clinical implications”, regardless of weight loss. The research found a 20 per cent lower risk of heart attack, stroke, or death due to cardiovascular disease for those who took semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, for an average period of 40 months. The findings were taken from data gathered in the Danish drugmaker’s Select trial, some of whose results were first published last year. Tortoise found that all 16 researchers on the study – including Deanfield – had a declaration of employment, advising or consultancy for Novo Nordisk, with some declaring stock or stock options in the company.