Wegovy® by Novo Nordisk: Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in Obese Patients at ESC Congress 2025
- Novo Nordisk's Wegovy® shows a 57% greater reduction in cardiovascular risks compared to tirzepatide in obese patients.
- The STEER study indicates Wegovy® users have a 29% lower risk of adverse cardiovascular events than those on tirzepatide.
- Novo Nordisk is exploring oral formulations of Wegovy® to enhance convenience in weight loss treatments.
Wegovy® Shows Promise in Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Among Obese Patients at ESC Congress 2025
Novo Nordisk recently presents compelling findings from the STEER study at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2025, showcasing the cardiovascular benefits of its weight loss medication, Wegovy® (semaglutide) 2.4 mg, particularly in patients grappling with obesity and established cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study reveals that Wegovy® leads to a striking 57% greater reduction in the risk of heart attack, stroke, or all-cause mortality when compared to its competitor tirzepatide. Notably, in a carefully monitored group of patients without treatment gaps exceeding 30 days, only 15 cardiovascular events occurred in the Wegovy® cohort (0.1%) versus 39 (0.4%) in the tirzepatide group over an average follow-up of approximately 3.8 months.
When examining the broader data set that includes all treated individuals, regardless of treatment interruptions, the benefits of Wegovy® remain significant. Users of Wegovy® experience a 29% risk reduction in adverse cardiovascular events compared to those on tirzepatide, with 56 (0.5%) events for Wegovy® and 83 (0.8%) for tirzepatide over an average follow-up of 8.3 months. These results underscore not only the drug's efficacy in weight management but also its potential to improve cardiovascular health in a vulnerable patient population. Anna Windle, Senior Vice President at Novo Nordisk, emphasizes the uniqueness of semaglutide’s benefits, asserting that the observed cardiovascular advantages cannot be generalized across other GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists.
The STEER study's findings provide critical real-world evidence that positions Wegovy® as a frontrunner in addressing dual concerns of obesity and cardiovascular issues. As the global prevalence of obesity continues to rise, the implications of these results are substantial. Novo Nordisk's focus on the heart-protective benefits of Wegovy® not only enhances its product portfolio but also solidifies its reputation in the competitive weight management sector. The ongoing research into the cardiovascular effects of semaglutide offers a promising avenue for further innovation in obesity treatments, potentially influencing prescribing practices and patient outcomes in the long run.
In light of these findings, Novo Nordisk's Wegovy® continues to distinguish itself in the burgeoning market of weight loss pharmaceuticals. The company is also exploring the development of oral formulations to complement its injectable therapies, reflecting a broader trend in the industry toward more convenient treatment options. While investor interest surges, analysts remain cautiously optimistic, acknowledging the preliminary nature of the study findings and the innovative responses from competitors in the field.