Pharmacotherapeutic group: Drugs used in diabetes, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues, ATCcode: A10BJ06
Mechanism of actionSemaglutide is a GLP-1 analogue with 94% sequence homology to human GLP-1. Semaglutide acts asa GLP-1 receptor agonist that selectively binds to and activates the GLP-1 receptor, the target fornative GLP-1.
GLP-1 is a physiological regulator of appetite and calorie intake, and the GLP-1 receptor is present inseveral areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation.
Animal studies show that semaglutide works in the brain through the GLP-1 receptor. Semaglutide hasdirect effects on areas in the brain involved in homeostatic regulation of food intake in thehypothalamus and the brainstem. Semaglutide may affect the hedonic reward system through directand indirect effects in brain areas including the septum, thalamus and amygdala.
Clinical studies show that semaglutide reduces energy intake, increases feelings of satiety, fullness andcontrol of eating, reduces feelings of hunger, and frequency and intensity of cravings. In addition,semaglutide reduces the preference for high fat foods.
Semaglutide orchestrates the homeostatic and hedonic contributions with executive function toregulate caloric intake, appetite, reward and food choice.
In addition, in clinical studies semaglutide have shown to reduce blood glucose in a glucose dependentmanner by stimulating insulin secretion and lowering glucagon secretion when blood glucose is high.
The mechanism of blood glucose lowering also involves a minor delay in gastric emptying in the earlypostprandial phase. During hypoglycaemia, semaglutide diminishes insulin secretion and does notimpair glucagon secretion.
GLP-1 receptors are also expressed in the heart, vasculature, immune system and kidneys.
Semaglutide has a beneficial effect on plasma lipids, lowered systolic blood pressure and reducedinflammation in clinical studies. Furthermore, animal studies have shown that semaglutide attenuatedthe development of atherosclerosis and had an anti-inflammatory action in the cardiovascular system.
The mechanism of action of semaglutide for cardiovascular risk reduction is likely multifactorial, inpart driven by weight loss effects and effects on known cardiovascular risk factors (reduction in bloodpressure, improvements in lipid profile and glucose metabolism, and anti-inflammatory effects asdemonstrated by reductions in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)). The exact mechanism ofcardiovascular risk reduction has not been established.
Pharmacodynamic effectsAppetite, energy intake and food choiceSemaglutide reduces appetite by increasing feelings of fullness and satiety, while lowering hunger andprospective food consumption. In a phase 1 trial, energy intake during an ad libitum meal was 35%lower with semaglutide compared to placebo after 20 weeks of dosing. This was supported byimproved control of eating, less food cravings and a relative lower preference for high fat food. Foodcravings were further assessed in STEP 5 by a Control of Eating Questionnaire (CoEQ). At week 104,the estimated treatment difference both for control of cravings and craving of savoury foodsignificantly favoured semaglutide, whereas no clear effect was seen for craving of sweet food.
Fasting and postprandial lipidsSemaglutide 1 mg compared to placebo lowered fasting triglyceride and very low density lipoproteins(VLDL) concentrations by 12% and 21%, respectively. The postprandial triglyceride and VLDLresponse to a high fat meal was reduced with >40%.
Clinical efficacy and safetyThe efficacy and safety of semaglutide for weight management in combination with a reduced calorieintake and increased physical activity were evaluated in four 68 weeks double-blinded randomisedplacebo-controlled phase 3a trials (STEP 1-4). A total of 4 684 adult patients (2 652 randomised totreatment with semaglutide) were included in these trials. Furthermore, the two-year efficacy andsafety of semaglutide compared to placebo were evaluated in a double-blinded randomised placebo-controlled phase 3b trial (STEP 5) including 304 patients (152 in treatment with semaglutide).
Treatment with semaglutide demonstrated superior, clinically meaningful, and sustained weight losscompared with placebo in patients with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2), or overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m2 to<30 kg/m2) and at least one weight-related comorbidity. Furthermore, across the trials, a higherproportion of patients achieved ≥5%, ≥10%, ≥15% and ≥20% weight loss with semaglutide comparedwith placebo. The reduction in body weight occurred irrespective of the presence of gastrointestinalsymptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
Treatment with semaglutide also showed statistically significant improvements in waistcircumference, systolic blood pressure and physical functioning compared to placebo.
Efficacy was demonstrated regardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity, baseline body weight, BMI,presence of type 2 diabetes and level of renal function. Variations in efficacy existed within allsubgroups. Relatively greater weight loss was observed in women and in patients without type 2diabetes as well as in patients with a lower versus higher baseline body weight.
STEP 1: Weight managementIn a 68-week double-blind trial, 1 961 patients with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2), or with overweight(BMI ≥27 kg/m2 to <30 kg/m2) and at least one weight-related comorbidity were randomised tosemaglutide or placebo. All patients were on a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activitythroughout the trial.
Weight loss occurred early and continued throughout the trial. At end of treatment (week 68), theweight loss was superior and clinically meaningful compared with placebo (see Table 4 and Figure 1).
Furthermore, a higher proportion of patients achieved ≥5%, ≥10%, ≥15% and ≥20% weight loss withsemaglutide compared with placebo (see Table 4). Among patients with prediabetes at baseline, ahigher proportion of patients had a normo-glycaemic status at end of treatment with semaglutidecompared to placebo (84.1% vs. 47.8%).
Table 4 STEP 1: Results at week 68
Semaglutide 2.4 mg Placebo
Full analysis set (N) 1 306 655
Body weightBaseline (kg) 105.4 105.2
Change (%) from baseline1,2 -14.9 -2.4
Difference (%) from placebo1 [95% CI] -12.4 [-13.4; -11.5]* -
Change (kg) from baseline -15.3 -2.6
Difference (kg) from placebo1 [95% CI] -12.7 [-13.7; -11.7] -
Patients (%) achieving weight loss ≥5%3 83.5* 31.1
Patients (%) achieving weight loss ≥10%3 66.1* 12.0
Patients (%) achieving weight loss ≥15%3 47.9* 4.8
Waist circumference (cm)
Baseline 114.6 114.8
Change from baseline1 -13.5 -4.1
Difference from placebo1 [95% CI] -9.4 [-10.3; -8.5]* -
Systolic blood pressure (mmHg)
Baseline 126 127
Change from baseline1 -6.2 -1.1
Difference from placebo1 [95% CI] -5.1 [-6.3; -3.9]* -
* p<0.0001 (unadjusted 2-sided) for superiority.1 Estimated using an ANCOVA model using multiple imputation based on all data irrespective of discontinuation of randomised treatment orinitiation of other anti-obesity medication or bariatric surgery.2 During the trial, randomised treatment was permanently discontinued by 17.1% and 22.4% of patients randomised to semaglutide 2.4 mgand placebo, respectively. Assuming that all randomised patients stayed on treatment and did not receive additional anti-obesity therapies,the estimated changes from randomisation to week 68 for body weight based on a Mixed Model for Repeated Measures including allobservations until first discontinuation were -16.9% and -2.4% for semaglutide 2.4 mg and placebo respectively.3 Estimated from binary regression model based on same imputation procedure as in primary analysis.
- 2.8 -2.4
- 14.9
- 15.6(MI)
Weeks
Wegovy Placebo Multiple imputation (MI)
Observed values for patients completing each scheduled visit, and estimates with multiple imputations (MI) from retrieved dropouts
Figure 1 STEP 1: Mean change in body weight (%) from baseline to week 68
Following the 68-week trial, a 52-week off-treatment extension was conducted including 327 patientswho had completed the main trial period on the maintenance dose of semaglutide or placebo. In theoff-treatment period from week 68 to week 120, mean body weight increased in both treatmentgroups. However, for patients that had been treated with semaglutide for the main trial period theweight remained 5.6% below baseline compared to 0.1% for the placebo group.
STEP 2: Weight management in patients with type 2 diabetesIn a 68-week, double-blind trial, 1 210 patients with overweight or obesity (BMI ≥27 kg/m2) andtype 2 diabetes were randomised to either semaglutide 2.4 mg, semaglutide 1 mg once-weekly orplacebo. Patients included in the trial had insufficiently controlled diabetes (HbA1c 7-10%) and weretreated with either: diet and exercise alone or 1-3 oral antidiabetic drugs. All patients were on areduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity throughout the trial.
Treatment with semaglutide for 68 weeks resulted in superior and clinically meaningful reduction inbody weight and in HbA1c compared to placebo (see Table 5 and Figure 2).
Table 5 STEP 2: Results at week 68
Semaglutide 2.4 mg Placebo
Full analysis set (N) 404 403
Body weightBaseline (kg) 99.9 100.5
Change (%) from baseline1,2 -9.6 -3.4
Difference (%) from placebo1 [95% CI] -6.2 [-7.3;-5.2]* -
Change (kg) from baseline -9.7 -3.5
Difference (kg) from placebo1 [95% CI] -6.1 [-7.2;-5.0] -
Patients (%) achieving weight loss ≥5%3 67.4* 30.2
Patients (%) achieving weight loss ≥10%3 44.5* 10.2
Patients (%) achieving weight loss ≥15%3 25.0* 4.3
Waist circumference (cm)
Baseline 114.5 115.5
Change from baseline1 -9.4 -4.5
Difference from placebo1 [95% CI] -4.9 [-6.0; -3.8]* -
Systolic blood pressure (mmHg)
Baseline 130 130
Change from baseline1 -3.9 -0.5
Difference from placebo1 [95% CI] -3.4 [-5.6; -1.3]** -
HbA1c (mmol/mol (%))
Baseline 65.3 (8.1) 65.3 (8.1)
Change from baseline1 -17.5 (-1.6) -4.1 (-0.4)
Difference from placebo1 [95% CI] -13.5 [-15.5; -11.4] -(-1.2 [-1.4; -1.1])* -
* p<0.0001 (unadjusted 2-sided) for superiority; **p<0.05 (unadjusted 2-sided) for superiority.1 Estimated using an ANCOVA model using multiple imputation based on all data irrespective of discontinuation of randomised treatment orinitiation of other anti-obesity medication or bariatric surgery.2 During the trial, randomised treatment was permanently discontinued by 11.6% and 13.9% of patients randomised to semaglutide 2.4 mgand placebo, respectively. Assuming that all randomised patients stayed on treatment and did not receive additional anti-obesity therapies,the estimated changes from randomisation to week 68 for body weight based on a Mixed Model for Repeated Measures including allobservations until first discontinuation were -10.6% and -3.1% for semaglutide 2.4 mg and placebo respectively3 Estimated from binary regression model based on same imputation procedure as in primary analysis.
- 3.3 -3.4
- 9.9 -9.6(MI)
Weeks
Wegovy Placebo Multiple imputation (MI)
Observed values for patients completing each scheduled visit, and estimates with multiple imputations (MI) from retrieved dropouts
Figure 2 STEP 2: Mean change in body weight (%) from baseline to week 68
STEP 3: Weight management with intensive behavioural therapyIn a 68-week double-blind trial, 611 patients with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2), or with overweight (BMI≥27 kg/m2 to <30 kg/m2) and at least one weight-related comorbidity were randomised to semaglutideor placebo. During the trial, all patients received intensive behavioural therapy (IBT) consisting of avery restrictive diet, increased physical activity and behavioural counselling.
Treatment with semaglutide and IBT for 68 weeks resulted in superior and clinically meaningfulreduction in body weight compared to placebo (see Table 6).
Table 6 STEP 3: Results at week 68
Semaglutide 2.4 mg Placebo
Full analysis set (N) 407 204
Body weightBaseline (kg) 106.9 103.7
Change (%) from baseline1,2 -16.0 -5.7
Difference (%) from placebo1 [95% CI] -10.3 [-12.0;-8.6]* -
Change (kg) from baseline -16.8 -6.2
Difference (kg) from placebo1 [95% CI] -10.6 [-12.5;-8.8] -
Patients (%) achieving weight loss ≥5%3 84.8* 47.8
Patients (%) achieving weight loss ≥10%3 73.0* 27.1
Patients (%) achieving weight loss ≥15%3 53.5* 13.2
Waist circumference (cm)
Baseline 113.6 111.8
Change from baseline1 -14.6 -6.3
Difference from placebo1 [95% CI] -8.3 [-10.1; -6.6]* -
Systolic blood pressure (mmHg)
Baseline 124 124
Change from baseline1 -5.6 -1.6
Difference from placebo1 [95% CI] -3.9 [-6.4; -1.5]* -
* p<0.005 (unadjusted 2-sided) for superiority.1 Estimated using an ANCOVA model using multiple imputation based on all data irrespective of discontinuation of randomised treatment orinitiation of other anti-obesity medication or bariatric surgery.2 During the trial, randomised treatment was permanently discontinued by 16.7% and 18.6% of patients randomised to semaglutide 2.4 mgand placebo, respectively. Assuming that all randomised patients stayed on treatment and did not receive additional anti-obesity therapies,the estimated changes from randomisation to week 68 for body weight based on a Mixed Model for Repeated Measures including allobservations until first discontinuation were -17.6% and -5.0% for semaglutide 2.4 mg and placebo respectively3 Estimated from binary regression model based on same imputation procedure as in primary analysis.
STEP 4: Sustained weight managementIn a 68-week double-blind trial, 902 patients with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2), or with overweight (BMI≥27 kg/m2 to <30 kg/m2) and at least one weight-related comorbidity were included in the trial. Allpatients were on a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity throughout the trial. Fromweek 0 to week 20 (run-in), all patients received semaglutide. At week 20 (baseline), patients who hadreached the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg were randomised to continue treatment or switch to placebo.
At week 0 (start of run-in period) patients had a mean body weight of 107.2 kg and a mean BMI of38.4 kg/m2.
Patients who had reached the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg at week 20 (baseline) and continuedtreatment with semaglutide for 48 weeks (week 20-68) continued losing weight and had a superiorand clinically meaningful reduction in body weight compared to those switched to placebo (see
Table 7 and Figure 3). The body weight increased steadily from week 20 to week 68 in patientsswitching to placebo at week 20 (baseline). Nevertheless, the observed mean body weight was lowerat week 68 than at start of the run-in period (week 0) (see Figure 3). Patients treated with semaglutidefrom week 0 (run-in) to week 68 (end of treatment) achieved a mean change in body weight of -17.4%, with weight loss ≥5% achieved by 87.8%, ≥10% achieved by 78.0%, ≥15% achieved by 62.2%and ≥20% achieved by 38.6% of these patients.
Table 7 STEP 4: Results from week 20 to week 68
Semaglutide 2.4 mg Placebo
Full analysis set (N) 535 268
Body weightBaseline1 (kg) 96.5 95.4
Change (%) from baseline1,2,3 -7.9 6.9
Difference (%) from placebo2 [95% CI] -14.8 [-16.0; -13.5]* -
Change (kg) from baseline -7.1 6.1
Difference (kg) from placebo2 [95% CI] -13.2 [-14.3; -12.0] -
Waist circumference (cm)
Baseline 105.5 104.7
Change from baseline1 -6.4 3.3
Difference from placebo2 [95% CI] -9.7 [-10.9; -8.5]* -
Systolic blood pressure (mmHg)
Baseline1 121 121
Change from baseline1,2 0.5 4.4
Difference from placebo2 [95% CI] -3.9 [-5.8; -2.0]* -
* p<0.0001 (unadjusted 2-sided) for superiority.1 Baseline = week 202 Estimated using an ANCOVA model using multiple imputation based on all data irrespective of discontinuation of randomised treatment orinitiation of other anti-obesity medication or bariatric surgery.3 During the trial, randomised treatment was permanently discontinued by 5.8% and 11.6% of patients randomized to semaglutide 2.4 mg andplacebo, respectively. Assuming that all randomised patients stayed on treatment and did not receive additional anti-obesity therapies, theestimated changes from randomisation to week 68 for body weight based on a Mixed Model for Repeated Measures including allobservations until first discontinuation were -8.8% and 6.5% for semaglutide 2.4 mg and placebo respectively.
- 5.4 -5.0
- 17.7 -17.4(MI)
Weeks
Wegovy Placebo Multiple imputation (MI)
Observed values for patients completing each scheduled visit, and estimates with multiple imputations (MI) from retrieved dropouts
Figure 3 STEP 4: Mean change in body weight (%) from week 0 to week 68
STEP 5: 2-year dataIn a 104-week double-blind trial, 304 patients with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2), or with overweight(BMI ≥27 to <30 kg/m2) and at least one weight-related comorbidity, were randomised to semaglutideor placebo. All patients were on a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity throughout thetrial. At baseline, patients had a mean BMI of 38.5 kg/m2, a mean body weight of 106.0 kg.
Treatment with semaglutide for 104 weeks resulted in a superior and clinically meaningful reductionin body weight compared to placebo. Mean body weight decreased from baseline through to week 68with semaglutide after which a plateau was reached. With placebo, mean body weight decreased less,and a plateau was reached after approximately 20 weeks of treatment (see Table 8 and Figure 4).
Patients treated with semaglutide achieved a mean change in body weight of -15.2%, with weight loss≥5% achieved by 74.7%, ≥10% achieved by 59.2% and ≥15% achieved by 49.7% of these patients.
Among patients with prediabetes at baseline, 80% and 37% achieved a normo-glycaemic status at endof treatment with semaglutide and placebo, respectively.
Table 8 STEP 5: Results at week 104
Semaglutide 2.4 mg Placebo
Full analysis set (N) 152 152
Body weightBaseline (kg) 105.6 106.5
Change (%) from baseline1, 2 -15.2 -2.6
Difference (%) from placebo1 [95% CI] -12.6 [-15.3; -9.8]* -
Change (kg) from baseline -16.1 -3.2
Difference (kg) from placebo1 [95% CI] -12.9 [-16.1; -9.8] -
Patients (%) achieving weight loss ≥5%3 74.7* 37.3
Patients (%) achieving weight loss ≥10%3 59.2* 16.8
Patients (%) achieving weight loss ≥15%3 49.7* 9.2
Waist circumference (cm)
Baseline 115.8 115.7
Change from baseline1 -14.4 -5.2
Difference from placebo1 [95% CI] -9.2 [-12.2; -6.2]* -
Systolic blood pressure (mmHg)
Baseline 126 125
Change from baseline1 -5.7 -1.6
Difference from placebo1 [95% CI] -4.2 [-7.3; -1.0]* -
* p<0.0001 (unadjusted 2-sided) for superiority.
1 Estimated using an ANCOVA model using multiple imputation based on all data irrespective of discontinuation of randomised treatment orinitiation of other anti-obesity medication or bariatric surgery.2 During the trial, randomised treatment was permanently discontinued by 13.2% and 27.0% of patients randomised to semaglutide 2.4 mgand placebo, respectively. Assuming that all randomised patients stayed on treatment and did not receive additional anti-obesity therapies,the estimated changes from randomisation to week 104 for body weight based on a Mixed Model for Repeated Measures including allobservations until first discontinuation were -16.7% and -0.6% for semaglutide and placebo respectively.3 Estimated from binary regression model based on same imputation procedure as in primary analysis.
- 1.9 -2.6
- 15.2
- 15.9
Weeks
Wegovy Placebo Multiple imputation (MI)
Observed values for patients completing each scheduled visit, and estimates with multiple imputations (MI) from retrieved dropouts
Figure 4 STEP 5: Mean change in body weight (%) from week 0 to week 104
STEP 8: Semaglutide vs liraglutideIn a 68-week, randomised, open-label, pairwise placebo-controlled trial, 338 patients with obesity(BMI ≥30 kg/m2), or with overweight (BMI ≥27 to <30 kg/m2) and at least one weight-relatedcomorbidity, were randomised to semaglutide once weekly, liraglutide 3 mg once daily or placebo.
Semaglutide once weekly and liraglutide 3 mg were open-label, but each active treatment group wasdouble-blinded against placebo administered at the same dosing frequency. All patients were on areduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity throughout the trial. At baseline, patients had amean BMI of 37.5 kg/m2, a mean body weight of 104.5 kg.
Treatment with semaglutide once weekly for 68 weeks resulted in superior and clinically meaningfulreduction in body weight compared to liraglutide. Mean body weight decreased from baseline throughto week 68 with semaglutide. With liraglutide, mean body weight decreased less (see Table 9). 37.4%of the patients treated with semaglutide lost ≥20%, compared to 7.0% treated with liraglutide. Table 9shows the results of the confirmatory endpoints ≥10%, ≥15% and ≥20% weight loss.
Table 9 STEP 8: Results of a 68-week trial comparing semaglutide with liraglutide
Semaglutide 2.4 mg Liraglutide 3 mg
Full analysis set (N) 126 127
Body weightBaseline (kg) 102.5 103.7
Change (%) from baseline1, 2 -15.8 -6.4
Difference (%) from liraglutide1 [95% CI] -9.4 [-12.0;-6.8]* -
Change (kg) from baseline -15.3 -6.8
Difference (kg) from liraglutide1 [95% CI] -8.5 [-11.2;-5.7] -
Patients (%) achieving weight loss ≥10%3 69.4* 27.2
Patients (%) achieving weight loss ≥15%3 54.0* 13.4
Patients (%) achieving weight loss ≥20%3 37.4* 7.0
* p<0.005 (unadjusted 2-sided) for superiority.1 Estimated using an ANCOVA model using multiple imputation based on all data irrespective of discontinuation of randomised treatment orinitiation of other anti-obesity medication or bariatric surgery.2 During the trial, randomised treatment was permanently discontinued by 13.5% and 27.6% of patients randomised to semaglutide 2.4 mgand liraglutide 3 mg, respectively. Assuming that all randomised patients stayed on treatment and did not receive additional anti-obesitytherapies, the estimated changes from randomisation to week 68 for body weight based on a Mixed Model for Repeated Measures includingall observations until first discontinuation were -16.7% and -6.7% for semaglutide 2.4 mg and liraglutide 3 mg respectively.3 Estimated from binary regression model based on same imputation procedure as in primary analysis.
STEP 9: Weight management in patients with knee osteoarthritis
In a 68-week double-blind trial, 407 patients with obesity and moderate knee osteoarthritis (OA) ofone or both knees were randomised to either semaglutide or placebo, as an adjunct to counselling on areduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. The treatment effect on knee OA-related pain wasassessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis 3.1 Index (WOMAC). Thisindex is designed to evaluate changes in symptoms and lower extremity functioning associated withtreatment in patients suffering from OA of the hip and/or knee. At baseline, patients had a mean BMIof 40.3 kg/m2 and a mean body weight of 108.6 kg. All patients had a clinical diagnosis of knee OAwith a mean baseline WOMAC pain score of 70.9 (on a scale of 0-100).
Treatment with semaglutide for 68 weeks resulted in superior and clinically significant reduction inbody weight compared to placebo (see Table 10).
Treatment with semaglutide demonstrated a clinically meaningful improvement in knee OA-relatedpain compared to the placebo (see Table 10). The improvements in knee OA-related pain withsemaglutide were achieved without an increase in the use of pain medication.
Table 10 STEP 9: Results at week 68
Semaglutide 2.4 mg Placebo
Full analysis set (N) 271 136
Body weightBaseline (kg) 108.7 108.5
Change (%) from baseline1,2 -13.7 -3.2
Difference (%) from placebo1 [95% CI] -10.5 [-12.3; -8.6]* -
Patients (%) achieving weight loss ≥5%3 85.2* 33.6
WOMAC pain score4
Baseline 72.8 67.2
Change from baseline1,2 -41.7 -27.5
Difference from placebo1 [95% CI] -14.1 [-20.0, -8.3]* -
Patients (%) achieving clinically meaningful 59.0 35.0improvement 3, 5
* p< 0.0001 (unadjusted 2-sided) for superiority.1 Estimated using an ANCOVA model using multiple imputation based on all data irrespective of discontinuation of randomised treatment orinitiation of other anti-obesity therapies or other knee OA interventions and regardless of compliance with wash out period for painmedication (the latter only relevant for WOMAC related endpoint). During the trial, randomised treatment was permanently discontinued by12.5% and 21.3% of patients randomised to semaglutide 2.4 mg and placebo, respectively.2 Based on a Mixed Model for Repeated Measures assuming that all randomised patients stayed on treatment and did not receive additionalanti-obesity therapies or additional knee OA interventions and complied with washout period for pain medication (the latter only relevant forknee OA related pain), including all observations until first discontinuation the estimated changes from baseline to week 68 for body weightwere -14.5% and -2.3% (semaglutide 2.4 mg and placebo, respectively) and for WOMAC pain score: -43.0 and -28.3 (semaglutide 2.4 mgand placebo, respectively).3 Estimated from logistic regression model based on same imputation procedure as for the primary analysis.4 WOMAC scores are presented on a scale from 0-100, with lower scores representing less disability.5 The change in WOMAC pain score of ≤ -37.3 was used as a threshold for meaningful improvement. The threshold was derived from trialdata using anchor-based methods.
Effect on body compositionIn a sub-study in STEP 1 (N = 140), body composition was measured using dual energy X-rayabsorptiometry (DEXA). The results of the DEXA assessment showed that treatment with semaglutidewas accompanied by greater reduction in fat mass than in lean body mass leading to an improvementin body composition compared to placebo after 68 weeks. Furthermore, this reduction in total fat masswas accompanied by a reduction in visceral fat. These results suggest that most of the total weight losswas attributable to a reduction in fat tissue, including visceral fat.
Improvement in physical functioningSemaglutide showed small improvements in physical functioning scores. Physical functioning wasassessed using both the generic health-related quality of life questionnaire Short Form-36v2 Health
Survey, Acute Version (SF-36) and the obesity-specific questionnaire Impact of Weight on Quality of
Life Lite Clinical Trials Version (IWQOL-Lite-CT).
Cardiovascular evaluationSELECT: Cardiovascular outcomes trial in patients with overweight or obesity
SELECT was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, event driven trial which included17 604 patients with established cardiovascular disease and BMI≥27 kg/m2. Patients were randomisedto either semaglutide 2.4 mg (n=8 803) or placebo (n=8 801) in addition to standard-of-care. Themedian time in trial was 41.8 months. Vital status was available for 99.4% of subjects in the trial.
The study population consisted of 27.7% female and 72.3% male patients, with a mean age of61.6 years, including 38.2% patients ≥ 65 years (n=6 728) and 7.8% patients ≥ 75 years (n=1 366).
The mean BMI was 33.3 kg/m2 and mean body weight was 96.7 kg. Patients with history of type 1 andtype 2 diabetes were excluded.
The primary endpoint was the time from randomisation to first occurrence of major adversecardiovascular events (MACE), defined as a composite endpoint consisting of cardiovascular death(including undetermined cause of death), non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke. Theprimary endpoint, time to first MACE, occurred in 1 270 of the 17 604 patients included in the
SELECT trial. Specifically, 569 first MACE (6.5%) were recorded among the 8 803 patients treatedwith semaglutide, compared to 701 first MACE (8.0%) among the 8 801 patients treated with placebo.
A total of 63 (11.1%) of the first MACE with semaglutide and 80 (11.4%) with placebo wereundetermined cause of death.
Superiority of semaglutide 2.4 mg versus placebo for MACE was confirmed with a hazard ratio of0.80 [0.72; 0.90][95% CI], corresponding to a relative risk reduction in MACE of 20 % (see Figure 5).
The effect on each component to the reduction of MACE is shown in Figure 6. The reduction of
MACE with semaglutide 2.4 mg was not impacted by age, sex, race, ethnicity, BMI at baseline, orlevel of renal function impairment.
Analysis of the cardiovascular death (the first confirmatory secondary endpoint) resulted in a hazardratio of 0.85 [0.71; 1.01][95% CI].
Placebo
Sema 2.4 mg4 HR: 0.8095% CI[0.72 - 0.90]0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
Patients at risk Time from randomisation (months)
Sema 2.4 mg 8 803 8 695 8 561 8 427 8 254 7 229 5 777 4 126 1 734
Placebo 8 801 8 652 8 487 8 326 8 164 7 101 5 660 4 015 1 672
Data from the in-trial period. Cumulative incidence estimates are based on time from randomisation to first EAC-confirmed MACE withnon-CV death modelled as competing risk using the Aalen-Johansen estimator. Subjects without events of interest were censored at the end
Patients with Event (%)of their in-trial observation period. Time from randomisation to first MACE was analysed using a Cox proportional hazards model withtreatment as categorical fixed factor. The hazard ratio and confidence interval are adjusted for the group sequential design using thelikelihood ratio ordering. The x-axis is truncated at 50 months where approximately 10% of the population was still in the trial.
HR: hazard ratio, CI: Confidence interval, Sema 2.4 mg: semaglutide 2.4 mg.
CV: cardiovascular, EAC: event adjudication committee, MACE: major adverse cardiovascular event.
Figure 5: Time from randomisation to first MACE Cumulative incidence function plot
Number of events/analysed subjects(Sema 2.4 mg;
HR [95% CI] Placebo)
Primary endpoints and components
Primary endpoint 0.80 [0.72; 0.90] 569/8 803; 701/8 801
CV death 0.85 [0.71; 1.01] 223/8 803; 262/8 801
Non-fatal MI 0.72 [0.61; 0.85] 234/8 803; 322/8 801
Non-fatal stroke 0.93 [0.74; 1.15] 154/8 803; 165/8 801
Secondary confirmatory endpoints
Heart failure composite 0.82 [0.71; 0.96] 300/8 803; 361/8 801
Favours Favours
All-cause death Sema 2.4 mg Placebo 0.81 [0.71; 0.93] 375/8 803; 458/8 8010.4 0.6 1 1.4 2
Data from the in-trial period. Time from randomisation to each endpoint was analysed using a Cox proportional hazards model withtreatment as categorical fixed factor. Subjects without events of interest were censored at the end of their in-trial period. For the primaryendpoint the HR and CI were adjusted for the group sequential design using likelihood ratio ordering. Secondary endpoints are not undermultiplicity control. CV death includes both cardiovascular death and undetermined cause of death.
HR: hazard ratio, CI: Confidence interval, Sema 2.4 mg: semaglutide 2.4 mg.
CV: cardiovascular, MI: myocardial infarction, Heart failure (HF) composite consisting of HF hospitalisation, urgent HF visit or CV death.
Figure 6: Forest plot of time from randomisation to first MACE, MACE components andsecondary confirmatory endpoints
SUSTAIN 6: Cardiovascular outcomes trial in patients with type 2 diabetes
In the SUSTAIN 6 trial, 3 297 patients with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes and at high risk ofcardiovascular events were randomised to semaglutide s.c. 0.5 mg or 1 mg once-weekly or placebo inaddition to standard-of-care. The treatment duration was 104 weeks. The mean age was 65 years andthe mean BMI was 33 kg/m2.
The primary endpoint was the time from randomisation to first occurrence of a major adversecardiovascular event (MACE): cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatalstroke. The total number of the MACE was 254, including 108 (6.6%) with semaglutide and146 (8.9%) with placebo.
The cardiovascular safety of treatment with semaglutide 0.5 or 1 mg was confirmed as the hazard ratio(HR) for semaglutide vs. placebo was 0.74, [0.58, 0.95] [95% CI], driven by a decrease in the rate ofnon-fatal stroke and non-fatal myocardial infarction with no difference in cardiovascular death (see
Figure 7).
HR: 0.7495% CI 0.58: 0.95
Number of subjects at risk
Semaglutide
Placebo
Time from randomization (week)
Semaglutide Placebo
Figure 7: Kaplan-Meier plot of time to first occurrence of the composite outcome:
Cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke (SUSTAIN 6)
STEP-HFpEF and STEP-HFpEF-DM: Functional outcome trials in patients with heart failure withpreserved ejection fraction without and with type 2 diabetes
In two 52-week double-blinded clinical trials, 529 patients with obesity-related heart failure withpreserved ejection fraction (STEP-HFpEF), and 616 patients with obesity-related HFpEF and type 2diabetes (STEP-HFpEF-DM) were randomised to be treated with either semaglutide 2.4 mg or placeboonce weekly in addition to standard of care treatment.
At baseline, 66.2% and 70.6% of the patients were classified as New York Heart Association (NYHA)class II, 33.6% and 29.2% were NYHA class III and 0.2% and 0.2% were NYHA class IV, in STEP-
HFpEF and STEP HFpEF-DM respectively. Mean age was 68 years in both trials, median leftventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 57.0% and 56.0%, and mean BMI was 38.5 kg/m2 and37.9 kg/m2. The STEP-HFpEF trial included 56.1% females, whereas 44.3% were female in STEP-
HFpEF-DM. A high proportion of patients were on cardiovascular medications including ~ 81% ondiuretics, ~ 81% on beta blockers, ~ 34% on angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and ~45% on angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).
In STEP-HFpEF-DM patients were also receiving standard of care glucose lowering medications ofwhich 32.8% were treated with sodium/glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT-2i) and 20.8% weretreated with insulin.
The treatment effect of semaglutide 2.4 mg on heart failure symptoms was assessed using the Clinical
Summary Score of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-CSS) which includes thedomains of symptom (frequency and burden) and physical limitation. The score ranges from 0 to 100,with higher scores representing better health status. The treatment effect of semaglutide 2.4 mg on 6-
Minute Walk Distance (6MWD) was assessed by the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Baseline valuesof KCCQ-CSS and 6MWD reflect a highly symptomatic population.
In both trials treatment with semaglutide 2.4 mg resulted in a superior effect on both KCCQ-CSS and6MWD (Table 11). Benefits were seen both in heart failure symptoms and physical function.
Patients with event (%)
Table 11 Results of 6MWD, KCCQ-CSS and body weight from the two 52-weekrandomised trials (STEP-HFpEF and STEP-HFpEF-DM)
STEP-HFpEF STEP-HFpEF-DM
Semaglutide Placebo Semaglutide Placebo2.4 mg 2.4 mg
Full analysis set (N) 263 266 310 306
KCCQ-CSS (score)
Baseline (mean)1 57.9 55.5 58.8 56.4
Change from baseline2 16.6 8.7 13.7 6.4
Difference from placebo2 7.8 [4.8; 10.9] 7.3 [4.1; 10.4][95% CI]
Patients (%) experiencing 43.2 32.5 42.7 30.5meaningful change36MWD (metres)
Baseline (mean)1 319.6 314.6 279.7 276.7
Change from baseline2 21.5 1.2 12.7 -1.6
Difference from placebo2 20.3 [8.6; 32.1] 14.3 [3.7; 24.9][95% CI]
Patients (%) with meaningful 47.9 34.7 43.8 30.6change4
Body weightBaseline (kg)1 108.3 108.4 106.4 105.2
Change (%) from baseline2 -13.3 -2.6 -9.8 -3.4
Difference (%) from placebo2 -10.7 [-11.9; -9.4] -6.4 [-7.6; -5.2][95% CI]1 Observed mean.2 Estimated using an ANCOVA model using multiple imputation and for KCCQ and 6MWD, also a composite imputation based on all datairrespective of discontinuation of randomised treatment or initiation of other anti-obesity medication or bariatric surgery.3 Meaningful within patient change threshold of 17.2 points for STEP-HFpEF trial and 16.3 points for STEP-HFpEF-DM trial (derived usingan anchor-based method based on a 1-category improvement in Patient Global Impression of Status (PGI-S)). Percentages are based onsubjects with an observation at the visit.4 Meaningful within patient change threshold of 22.1 metres for STEP-HFpEF trial and 25.6 metres for STEP-HFpEF-DM trial (derivedusing an anchor-based method using “moderately better” in Patient Global Impression of Change (PGI-C)). Percentages are based onsubjects with an observation at the visit.
The treatment benefit of semaglutide over placebo was consistent across all subpopulations defined byage, sex, BMI, race, ethnicity, region, systolic blood pressure (SBP), LVEF and concomitant heartfailure therapy.
Paediatric populationThe European Medicines Agency has deferred the obligation to submit the results of studies with
Wegovy in one or more subsets of the paediatric population in the treatment of weight management(see section 4.2 for information on paediatric use).
STEP TEENS: Weight management in adolescent patients
In a 68-week double-blind trial 201 pubertal adolescents, ages 12 to <18 years, with obesity oroverweight and at least one weight-related comorbidity were randomised 2:1 to semaglutide orplacebo. All patients were on a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity throughout thetrial.
At end of treatment (week 68), the improvement in BMI with semaglutide was superior and clinicallymeaningful compared with placebo (see Table 12 and Figure 8). Furthermore, a higher proportion ofpatients achieved ≥5%, 10% and ≥15% weight loss with semaglutide compared with placebo (see
Table 12).
Table 12 STEP TEENS: Results at week 68
Semaglutide 2.4 mg Placebo
Full analysis set (N) 134 67
BMI
Baseline (BMI) 37.7 35.7
Change (%) from baseline1,2 -16.1 0.6
Difference (%) from placebo1 [95% CI] -16.7 [-20.3; -13.2]* -
Baseline (BMI SDS) 3.4 3.1
Change from baseline in BMI SDS1 -1.1 -0.1
Difference from placebo1 [95% CI] -1.0 [-1.3; -0.8] -
Body Weight
Baseline (kg) 109.9 102.6
Change (%) from baseline1 -14.7 2.8
Difference (%) from placebo1 [95% CI] -17.4 [-21.1; -13.8] -
Change (kg) from baseline1 -15.3 2.4
Difference (kg) from placebo1 [95% CI] -17.7 [-21.8; -13.7] -
Patients (%) achieving weight loss ≥5%3 72.5* 17.7
Patients (%) achieving weight loss ≥10%3 61.8 8.1
Patients (%) achieving weight loss ≥15%3 53.4 4.8
Waist circumference (cm)
Baseline 111.9 107.3
Change from baseline1 -12.7 -0.6
Difference from placebo1 [95% CI] -12.1 [-15.6; -8.7] -
Systolic blood pressure (mmHg)
Baseline 120 120
Change from baseline1 -2.7 -0.8
Difference from placebo1 [95% CI] -1.9 [-5.0; 1.1] -
* p<0.0001 (unadjusted 2-sided) for superiority.1 Estimated using an ANCOVA model using multiple imputation based on all data irrespective of discontinuation of randomised treatment orinitiation of other anti-obesity medication or bariatric surgery.2 During the trial, randomised treatment was permanently discontinued by 10.4% and 10.4% of patients randomised to semaglutide 2.4 mgand placebo, respectively. Assuming that all randomised patients stayed on treatment and did not receive additional anti-obesity therapies,the estimated changes from randomisation to week 68 for BMI based on a Mixed Model for Repeated Measures including all observationsuntil first discontinuation were -17.9% and 0.6% for semaglutide 2.4 mg and placebo respectively3 Estimated from logistic regression model based on same imputation procedure as in primary analysis.
0.6
- 0.1
- 16.2 -16.1(MI)
Weeks
Wegovy Placebo Multiple imputation (MI)
Observed values for patients completing each scheduled visit, and estimates with multiple imputations (MI) from retrieved dropouts
Figure 8 STEP TEENS: Mean change in BMI (%) from baseline to week 68