Novo Nordisk reports positive late-stage data for semaglutide in two major trials

Novo Nordisk (NOV: N) has reported new Phase IIIb data showing its GLP-1 drug semaglutide, in both oral and injectable forms, led to significant health benefits in adults with type 2 diabetes facing cardiovascular complications.

The data were presented at the American College of Cardiology’s annual meeting in Chicago and published in peer-reviewed journals, with results from the SOUL and STRIDE trials pointing to reduced cardiovascular risk and improved mobility in patients with co-existing conditions.

In the SOUL trial, oral semaglutide, marketed as Rybelsus (semaglutide), reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by 14% compared to placebo. Each component of the composite endpoint—cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack, and non-fatal stroke—contributed to the benefit.