The Physicians Really Are Healing Themselves, With Ozempic
When Dr. C. Michael Gibson, a cardiologist at Harvard Medical School, goes to heart disease meetings, he can't help noticing a change.
'We will sit around at dinner and halfway through the meal, we will simultaneously push our plates away,' Dr. Gibson said. 'We look at each other and laugh and say, 'You, too?''
They share what is becoming an open secret: They tried for years to control their weight but are now taking the new obesity drugs manufactured by Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk.
Dr. Robert Califf, the former chief of the Food and Drug Administration, says he hardly recognizes his colleagues. So many are now so thin.
'Looking good,' he says he tells his fellow cardiologists at conferences and meetings.
There are no studies documenting the percentage of doctors taking the drugs. But physicians 'are a good litmus test for drugs that are highly effective,' Dr. Califf said. If doctors who read the papers describing clinical-trial results are rushing to get a new drug, that is an indication that it's really promising.
His colleagues' use of Wegovy and Zepbound reminds him of the use of statins, drugs that lower cholesterol, in their early days. Cardiologists, who were most familiar with the consequences of high cholesterol levels, were among the first to take the drugs in large numbers.
Many newly thin cardiologists and diabetes specialists, like so many of their patients, had risk factors for heart disease. Or their blood sugar was creeping up. Or just the physical strain of carrying excess weight made everyday life burdensome. They say they like their new looks but also their new health and energy. In a way, they feel like members of a club.
Four years ago, Dr. Darren McGuire, a cardiologist at the University of Texas Southwestern, was struggling with obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Then he started taking Ozempic, the Novo Nordisk diabetes drug that is sold under the name Wegovy for obesity. He later switched to Mounjaro, from Eli Lilly, which is sold as Zepbound for obesity.
He lost 30 percent of his weight and got his blood sugar under control. Now, he said, he's 'feeling better than ever.'
He is also struck by the number of colleagues who seem to be using the medications.
'People look pretty different,' said Dr. McGuire, who is on advisory boards for Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. 'It is amazing.' He described one prominent diabetes specialist, Dr. John Buse of the University of North Carolina, who 'has shrunk away.'
Not quite, Dr. Buse said. But, he said, 'I lost 25 percent of my body weight and it totally changed my life.' He had struggled with his size since childhood, gaining, losing and then gaining weight again.
When he dieted, he 'would get crazy hungry,' Dr. Buse said. With Wegovy, he said, his weight dropped effortlessly until he reached his goal. Then his appetite returned, which was scary. But instead of regaining pounds, he maintained a consistent weight as he continued to take the drug.
Like other patients, he found that taking the drugs eliminated most of his desire to drink alcohol. Before he started Wegovy, he often would have two or three drinks with dinner. Now he has one, or none.
Dr. Buse, who is a consultant for Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, said that he did not often ask people at diabetes meetings if they were taking one of the drugs but that 'there are people who have changed a lot.' He said he would 'bet dollars to doughnuts' that they were on weight-loss medication.
Some cardiologists are still 'in the closet,' Dr. Gibson said.
One is a cardiologist in Boston. She said the person who prescribed Ozempic for her was also a female cardiologist who was taking it. She asked not to be identified because she had told only a few people she was on the drug. She was trying to keep her medical information private, although she suspected that her colleagues might have guessed. She added that she was pretty sure she knew who else was taking one of the drugs.
'Yes, you can definitely tell,' she said. 'And when you go to dinners, you can definitely see. We eat, like, an eighth of our meal. I know what's going on here.'
The doctors know they are privileged.
At first, Dr. Buse's health insurance paid for his Wegovy. But soon North Carolina stopped paying for obesity drugs for state employees, so he paid out of pocket. With a list price of $1,349 a month, it was a major expense.
Then, at a meeting in Europe, he asked a colleague to prescribe Wegovy for him and got a six-month supply. Dr. Buse was able to purchase Wegovy for a quarter of what it cost in the United States.
The doctors also know how to advocate for themselves and navigate the medical system better than many of their patients do.
Dr. McGuire's insurer initially declined to pay for his drugs. 'I had to appeal,' he said. 'I have a relationship with a primary care physician and know when to keep pushing.'
His insurer agreed to pay.
Dr. Gibson said that his insurer had paid without issue and that he wanted to discuss his decision to take Wegovy openly. (He recently switched to Lilly's Zepbound, also covered by his insurance, because it elicits an even greater weight loss.)
'A lot of people are of the mind-set that it is shameful, that it is cheating to use a drug,' Dr. Gibson said.
But the obesity drugs changed his life, he said: 'It's the greatest thing I ever did.'
And even Zepbound, powerful as it is, is just the beginning, Dr. Gibson said.
'There are 120 new agents coming along,' he noted, referring to drugs in clinical trials. 'I look forward to ones that may have even better safety and effectiveness.'
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28 minutes ago
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Lilly's once-weekly insulin efsitora alfa demonstrated A1C reduction and a safety profile consistent with daily insulin in multiple Phase 3 trials
Results from the fixed-dose QWINT-1 study, along with the QWINT-3 and QWINT-4 studies, reinforce efsitora's potential to simplify insulin management with weekly dosing Lilly plans to submit efsitora for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes to global regulatory agencies by the end of this year INDIANAPOLIS, June 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today announced detailed results from QWINT-1, QWINT-3, and QWINT-4 Phase 3 clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of investigational once-weekly insulin efsitora alfa (efsitora) in adults with type 2 diabetes who used insulin for the first time, previously used daily basal insulin, and previously used daily basal insulin and mealtime insulin, respectively. In each trial, once-weekly efsitora met the primary endpoint of non-inferior A1C reduction compared to daily basal insulin. The complete results from these studies were presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 85th Scientific Sessions 2025. Simultaneously, results from QWINT-1, a first-of-its-kind fixed-dose study, were published in The New England Journal of Medicine, while results from QWINT-3 and QWINT-4 were published in The Lancet. In QWINT-1, efsitora reduced A1C by 1.31% compared to 1.27% for insulin glargine at week 52 for the efficacy estimand.1,2 In the trial, efsitora was titrated to four fixed doses at four-week intervals, as needed for blood glucose control.3 In QWINT-3, efsitora reduced A1C by 0.86% compared to 0.75% for insulin degludec at week 26 for the efficacy estimand.4 In QWINT-4, efsitora reduced A1C by 1.07% compared to 1.07% for insulin glargine at week 26 for the efficacy estimand.5 In these two trials, efsitora was administered using traditional insulin dosing with adjustments based on each patient's glucose level. "The novel fixed-dose regimen used in QWINT-1 for once-weekly efsitora, which consisted of only four single-dose titration options, has the potential to facilitate and simplify insulin therapy, reducing the hesitation often associated with starting insulin to treat type 2 diabetes," said Dr. Julio Rosenstock, senior scientific advisor for Velocity Clinical Research at Medical City Dallas, clinical professor of medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and lead trial investigator for QWINT-1. "A simpler, once-weekly regimen with efsitora may help people with type 2 diabetes initiate and manage insulin therapy with the goal of improving blood sugar levels. Across all QWINT trials, the results showed that once-weekly efsitora controlled glucose as effectively as the most popular once-daily basal insulins." QWINT-1 Primary EndpointEfficacy Estimand Treatment-RegimenEstimand6 Primary Endpoint – A1C Reduction (Resulting A1C) at Week 52 Efsitora -1.31 % (6.92 %) -1.19 % (7.05 %) Glargine -1.27 % (6.96 %) -1.16 % (7.08 %)QWINT-3 Primary and Key Secondary EndpointsEfficacy Estimand Treatment-RegimenEstimand Primary Endpoint – A1C Reduction (Resulting A1C) at Week 26 Efsitora -0.86 % (6.93 %) -0.81 % (6.99 %) Degludec -0.75 % (7.03 %) -0.72 % (7.08 %) Key Secondary Endpoint – Rates of Clinically Significant or Severe Nocturnal Hypoglycemic Events Per Patient-Year of Exposure up to Week 787,8 Efsitora 0.11 Degludec 0.10 Key Secondary Endpoint – Percent Time in Range (70-180 mg/dL) During the FourWeeks Prior to Week 26 Efsitora 62.8 % 61.4 % Degludec 61.3 % 61.0 %QWINT-4 Primary and Key Secondary EndpointsEfficacy Estimand Treatment-Regimen Estimand Primary Endpoint – A1C Reduction (Resulting A1C) at Week 26 Efsitora -1.07 % (7.12 %) -1.01 % (7.17 %) Glargine -1.07 % (7.11 %) -1.00 % (7.18 %) Key Secondary Endpoint – Participants Achieving A1C <7% at Week 26 Without Nocturnal Hypoglycemia Efsitora 39.5 % 38.6 % Glargine 36.6 % 35.9 % Key Secondary Endpoint – Rates of Clinically Significant or Severe NocturnalHypoglycemic Events Per Patient-Year of Exposure up to Week 26 Efsitora 0.67 Glargine 1.00 "Building on Lilly's legacy of innovation in insulin therapy, once-weekly efsitora may offer a significant advancement for people with type 2 diabetes who need insulin by eliminating over 300 injections per year," said Jeff Emmick, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president of product development at Lilly. "These results reinforce the potential for once-weekly efsitora to help reduce the overall burden of insulin therapy through a simplified treatment approach. We look forward to working with regulatory agencies to bring this innovation to patients around the world." Across the three trials, efsitora demonstrated an overall safety profile similar to two of the most commonly used daily basal insulin therapies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In QWINT-1, efsitora resulted in approximately 40% fewer hypoglycemic events compared to insulin glargine, with estimated combined rates of severe or clinically significant hypoglycemic events per patient-year of exposure of 0.50 with efsitora vs. 0.88 with insulin glargine at 52 weeks. In QWINT-3, these rates were 0.84 with efsitora vs. 0.74 with insulin degludec at 78 weeks. In QWINT-4, estimated combined rates of severe or clinically significant hypoglycemic events per patient-year of exposure were 6.6 with efsitora vs. 5.9 with insulin glargine at 26 weeks. Lilly plans to submit efsitora for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes to global regulatory agencies by the end of this year. About the QWINT clinical trial programThe QWINT Phase 3 global clinical development program for insulin efsitora alfa (efsitora) in diabetes began in 2022 and has enrolled more than 3,000 people living with type 2 diabetes across four global registration studies. QWINT-1 (NCT05662332) was a parallel-design, open-label, treat-to-target, randomized controlled clinical trial comparing the efficacy and safety of efsitora as a once-weekly basal insulin using a fixed dose escalation to daily insulin glargine for 52 weeks in insulin-naïve adults with type 2 diabetes. The trial randomized 795 participants across the U.S., Argentina and Mexico to receive efsitora once weekly or insulin glargine once daily, administered subcutaneously. Participants treated with efsitora received a starting dose of 100 units of insulin, followed by escalation to fixed dosages of 150 units, 250 units and 400 units every four weeks, as needed, until achieving a target fasting blood glucose of 80-130 mg/dL. Participants with fasting blood glucose greater than 130 mg/dL on or after 16 weeks were transferred to flexible dosing. The primary objective of the trial was to demonstrate non-inferiority in reducing A1C at week 52 with efsitora compared to daily use of insulin glargine. QWINT-3 (NCT05275400) was a multicenter, randomized, parallel-design, open-label trial comparing the efficacy and safety of efsitora as a once-weekly basal insulin to insulin degludec for 78 weeks after a three-week lead-in followed by a five-week safety follow up period, in adults with type 2 diabetes who are currently treated with basal insulin. The trial randomized 986 participants across the U.S., Argentina, Hungary, Japan, Korea, Poland, Puerto Rico, Slovakia, Spain and Taiwan to receive efsitora once weekly or insulin degludec once daily, administered subcutaneously. The primary objective of the study was to demonstrate non-inferiority in reducing A1C at week 26 with efsitora compared to insulin degludec. QWINT-4 (NCT05462756) was a parallel-design, open-label, treat-to-target, randomized controlled clinical trial comparing the efficacy and safety of efsitora as a weekly basal insulin to insulin glargine for 26 weeks in adults with type 2 diabetes who have previously been treated with basal insulin and at least two injections per day of mealtime insulin. The trial randomized 730 participants across the U.S., Argentina, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Spain to receive efsitora once weekly or insulin glargine once daily, both of which were administered subcutaneously along with insulin lispro. The primary objective of the trial was to demonstrate non-inferiority in reducing A1C at week 26 with efsitora compared to insulin glargine. About insulin efsitora alfaInsulin efsitora alfa (efsitora) is a once-weekly basal insulin, a fusion protein that combines a novel single-chain variant of insulin with a human IgG2 Fc domain. It is specifically designed for once-weekly subcutaneous administration, and with its low peak-to-trough ratio, it has the potential to provide more stable glucose levels (less glucose variability) throughout the week. About Lilly Lilly is a medicine company turning science into healing to make life better for people around the world. We've been pioneering life-changing discoveries for nearly 150 years, and today our medicines help tens of millions of people across the globe. Harnessing the power of biotechnology, chemistry and genetic medicine, our scientists are urgently advancing new discoveries to solve some of the world's most significant health challenges: redefining diabetes care; treating obesity and curtailing its most devastating long-term effects; advancing the fight against Alzheimer's disease; providing solutions to some of the most debilitating immune system disorders; and transforming the most difficult-to-treat cancers into manageable diseases. With each step toward a healthier world, we're motivated by one thing: making life better for millions more people. That includes delivering innovative clinical trials that reflect the diversity of our world and working to ensure our medicines are accessible and affordable. To learn more, visit and or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. P-LLY The efficacy estimand represents the treatment effect on all participants who adhered to the study drug without initiating rescue therapy for persistent severe hyperglycemia. From a baseline of 8.20% for efsitora and 8.28% for insulin glargine. Participants treated with efsitora received a starting dose of 100 units of insulin, followed by escalation to fixed dosages of 150 units, 250 units and 400 units every four weeks, as needed, until achieving a target fasting blood glucose of 80-130 mg/dL. Participants with fasting blood glucose greater than 130 mg/dL on or after 16 weeks were transferred to flexible dosing. From a baseline of 7.80% for both efsitora and insulin degludec. From a baseline of 8.18% for both efsitora and insulin glargine. The treatment-regimen estimand represents the estimated average treatment effect regardless of treatment discontinuation or introduction of rescue therapy for persistent severe hyperglycemia. Blood glucose <54 mg/dL. Nocturnal hypoglycemia was defined as any event that occurred at night between midnight and 6 a.m. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) about insulin efsitora alfa as a potential treatment for people with type 2 diabetes and the timeline for future readouts, presentations, and other milestones relating to insulin efsitora alfa and its clinical trials and reflects Lilly's current beliefs and expectations. However, as with any pharmaceutical product, there are substantial risks and uncertainties in the process of drug research, development, and commercialization. Among other things, there is no guarantee that future study results will be consistent with study results to date, that insulin efsitora alfa will prove to be a safe and effective treatment for type 2 diabetes, that insulin efsitora alfa will receive regulatory approval, or that Lilly will execute its strategy as expected. For further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from Lilly's expectations, see Lilly's Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Lilly undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this release. Trademarks and Trade NamesAll trademarks or trade names referred to in this press release are the property of the company, or, to the extent trademarks or trade names belonging to other companies are referenced in this press release, the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, the trademarks and trade names in this press release are referred to without the ® and ™ symbols, but such references should not be construed as any indicator that the company or, to the extent applicable, their respective owners will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, the company's or their rights thereto. We do not intend the use or display of other companies' trademarks and trade names to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other companies. Refer to: Niki Biro; niki_biro@ 317-358-9074 (Media)Michael Czapar; czapar_michael_c@ 317-617-0983 (Investors) View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Upturn
3 hours ago
- Business Upturn
Novo Nordisk A/S: CagriSema 2.4 mg / 2.4 mg demonstrated 22.7% mean weight reduction in adults with overweight or obesity in REDEFINE 1, published in New England Journal of Medicine
By GlobeNewswire Published on June 22, 2025, 18:00 IST Data presented simultaneously at the American Diabetes Association's ® 85 th Scientific Sessions, showed mean weight reduction in the highest range of efficacy observed with existing weight loss interventions 1 85 Scientific Sessions, showed mean weight reduction in the highest range of efficacy observed with existing weight loss interventions When adhering to treatment, weight loss of ≥5%, ≥20%, ≥25%, and ≥30% was observed in 97.6%, 60.2%, 40.4% and 23.1% of patients respectively at 68 weeks 1 * The REDEFINE clinical programme is ongoing to further investigate efficacy and safety of CagriSema, including recently initiated REDEFINE 112 Bagsværd, Denmark, 22 June – Today, The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) published results from Novo Nordisk's phase 3 REDEFINE 1 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of investigational CagriSema plus lifestyle interventions for weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight who have a weight-related medical complication and without diabetes.1 REDEFINE 1 met its co-primary endpoints and achieved statistically significant and clinically meaningful weight loss at 68 weeks in patients taking CagriSema versus placebo.1 These data, along with the related phase 3 REDEFINE 2 study conducted in adults with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes, were presented today during a scientific symposium at the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) 85th Scientific Sessions and published in NEJM . 'In REDEFINE 1, participants saw significant and clinically meaningful weight loss under a protocol that allowed investigators to maintain patients on a submaximal dose if deemed best for the patient. We also witnessed low, single-digit discontinuation rates due to adverse events in both REDEFINE 1 and 2,' said Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president and head of Development at Novo Nordisk. 'These results reinforce our confidence in CagriSema, and we continue to study the potential of this combination through the REDEFINE trials.' CagriSema is an investigational product that combines the GLP-1 RA, semaglutide, with an amylin analogue, cagrilintide. The REDEFINE 1 trial found that treatment with CagriSema resulted in greater weight loss of 22.7% at 68 weeks versus 2.3% in the placebo group if all patients adhered to treatment.1* When evaluating the treatment effect regardless of adherence, those treated with CagriSema achieved statistically significant weight loss of 20.4% at 68 weeks versus 3.0% for the placebo group.1** In addition, a supportive secondary analysis showed that half (50.7%) of trial participants with obesity treated with CagriSema reached the threshold for non-obesity (BMI < 30 kg/m2) at the end of treatment, from a mean BMI of 38 kg/m2 at the start of treatment. In the placebo group,10.2% reached that threshold at 68 weeks.1 Select confirmatory secondary endpoints showed that if all participants adhered to treatment 40.4% of those receiving CagriSema achieved a body weight reduction of ≥25%.* Additionally, 23.1% lost ≥30% of their body weight.1* When applying the treatment policy estimand, 34.7% of participants treated with CagriSema achieved ≥25% body-weight reduction and 19.3% achieved ≥30% body-weight reduction.1** In a prespecified analysis of 252 participants, the relative reduction in fat and lean soft-tissue mass from baseline to week 68 was -35.7% (fat mass) and -14.4% (lean soft-tissue mass) for those treated with CagriSema versus –5.7% and –4.3% for the placebo group, respectively.1 'In REDEFINE 1, CagriSema provided weight loss in the highest range of efficacy observed with existing weight loss interventions,' said lead investigator Timothy Garvey, MD, professor of medicine and director of the Diabetes Research Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. 'Investigators were allowed some flexibility in dose adjustments to balance efficacy and safety, but regardless of dose adjustments participants lost significant weight. These findings are relatable to clinical practice, where dosing is often adjusted based on individual needs and clinical judgement.' Safety data generated in the REDEFINE 1 and 2 trials were comparable with the GLP-1 RA class. Overall, discontinuation rates due to adverse events were low, with 6% for CagriSema versus 3.7% for placebo in REDEFINE 1 and 8.4% with CagriSema versus 3% with placebo in REDEFINE 2.1,3 In REDEFINE 1, adverse events were mainly gastrointestinal (79.6% in the CagriSema group vs. 39.9% with placebo), including nausea (55% vs. 12.6 %), constipation (30.7% vs. 11.6%), vomiting (26.1% vs. 4.1%) and were mostly transient and mild-to-moderate in severity.1 Results from REDEFINE 2, a phase 3 study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of CagriSema plus lifestyle interventions in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D), were also simultaneously presented during a scientific symposium at the ADA's Scientific Sessions and published in NEJM .3 In REDEFINE 2, if all participants adhered to treatment, the estimated mean change in body weight from baseline to week 68 was –15.7% with CagriSema versus –3.1% with placebo.3* When applying the treatment policy estimand, the estimated mean change in body weight from baseline to week 68 was –13.7% with CagriSema versus –3.4% with placebo.3** A greater proportion of participants receiving CagriSema, compared with placebo, reduced their body weight by > 5% (83.6% vs. 30.8% of participants), ≥10% (65.6% vs. 10.3%), ≥15% (43.9% vs. 2.4%), and ≥20% (22.9% vs. 0.5%;).3 The safety results from CagriSema in REDEFINE 2 were similar to those reported in REDEFINE 1.3 The REDEFINE clinical programme will continue to assess the efficacy and safety of CagriSema. Most recently, Novo Nordisk initiated the REDEFINE 11 trial with the first patient visit occurring in early June 2025. REDEFINE 11 will explore further weight loss potential and safety of CagriSema 2.4 mg / 2.4 mg through a longer trial duration and other protocol changes compared to REDEFINE 1 and 2. * Based on the trial product estimand; this estimand estimates what the effect would be if all participants adhered to treatment ** Based on the treatment policy estimand: treatment effect regardless of treatment adherence About CagriSema CagriSema is being investigated by Novo Nordisk as a once-weekly subcutaneous injectable treatment for adults with overweight or obesity (REDEFINE programme) and as a treatment for adults with type 2 diabetes (REIMAGINE programme). CagriSema is a fixed-dose combination of a long-acting amylin analogue, cagrilintide 2.4 mg and semaglutide 2.4 mg. About the REDEFINE clinical trial programme REDEFINE is a phase 3 clinical development programme with once-weekly subcutaneous CagriSema in obesity. REDEFINE 1 and REDEFINE 2 have enrolled approximately 4,600 adults with overweight or obesity. REDEFINE 1 was a double-blind, placebo-and active-controlled 68-week efficacy and safety phase 3 trial of once-weekly CagriSema, cagrilintide 2.4 mg and semaglutide 2.4 mg versus placebo in 3,417 adults with obesity or overweight with one or more comorbidities and without type 2 diabetes. REDEFINE 2 was a double-blind, randomized, placebo- and controlled 68-week efficacy and safety phase 3 trial of once-weekly CagriSema versus placebo in 1,206 adults with type 2 diabetes and either obesity or overweight. Multiple REDEFINE clinical trials are currently underway including: REDEFINE 3, an event-driven cardiovascular outcomes phase 3 trial; REDEFINE 4 an 84-week head-to-head efficacy and safety phase 3 trial of once-weekly CagriSema versus once-weekly tirzepatide; and REDEFINE 11, a phase 3 trial with longer duration and other protocol changes compared to REDEFINE 1 and 2. About obesity Obesity is a serious chronic, progressive, and complex disease that requires long-term management.4–6 One key misunderstanding is that this is a disease of just lack of willpower, when in fact there is underlying biology that may impede people with obesity from losing weight and keeping it off.4,6 Obesity is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, social determinants of health, and the environment.7,8 About Novo Nordisk Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases built upon our heritage in diabetes. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines, and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs about 77,400 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. For more information, visit , Facebook , Instagram , X , LinkedIn and YouTube . Contacts for further information References: Garvey WT, Blüher MD, Contreras CKO, et al. CagriSema in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine 2025. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2502081 A Research Study to Look at How Well CagriSema Helps People Living With Obesity Lose Weight and Maintain Weight Loss in the Long-term. Last Accessed: June 2025. Available at: Davies MJ, Harpreet S, Bajaj MD, et al. CagriSema in Adults with Overweight or Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine 2025. Kaplan LM, Golden A, Jinnett K, et al. Perceptions of barriers to effective obesity care: results from the national action study. Obesity . 2018;26(1):61-69. Bray GA, Kim KK, Wilding JPH; World Obesity Federation. Obesity: a chronic relapsing progressive disease process. A position statement of the World Obesity Federation. Rev . 2017;18(7):715-723. Garvey WT, Mechanick JI, Brett EM, et al. American association of clinical endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology comprehensive clinical practice guidelines for medical care of patients with obesity. Endocr Pract . 2016;22 (Suppl 3):1-203. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult obesity facts. Last accessed: June 2025. Available at: World Obesity Federation. World Obesity Atlas 2023. Last accessed: June 2025. Available at: Attachment Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash GlobeNewswire provides press release distribution services globally, with substantial operations in North America and Europe.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Muscle-preserving drugs could generate over $30 billion in sales by 2035, TD Cowen says
By Bhanvi Satija (Reuters) -Treatments designed to help patients preserve muscle while losing weight with popular obesity drugs by Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk could generate more than $30 billion in sales by 2035, analysts at TD Cowen said on Friday. About a dozen companies are racing to develop such therapies, most of which are being tested in combination with Lilly's Zepbound or Novo's Wegovy, both of which target the GLP-1 protein to help control appetite. The initial Wall Street estimates for muscle-preserving therapies follow promising mid-stage results from experimental drugs developed by Regeneron and Scholar Rock. Investors are closely watching mid-stage data from Lilly's muscle mass-preserving drug, bimagrumab, which is scheduled for presentation at a medical conference next week. Analysts have projected that obesity drugs sales could reach $150 billion a year by the early 2030s. The unmet need to preserve muscle will grow with the use of GLP-1 drugs for obesity, said TD Cowen analyst Tyler Van Buren. Doctors have raised concerns that patients may experience a decrease in overall strength due to muscle loss associated with Zepbound and Wegovy, while experts suggest that more muscle can help patients maintain long-term weight loss. Van Buren said that the first such treatment could launch by 2028, although regulatory challenges remain because these treatments must demonstrate additional health benefits to secure approval. "We believe quality of weight loss and lean mass preservation ... is far too important for long-term health outcomes to be ignored and that this will be figured out," Van Buren said. Some of the new drugs target the myostatin protein, which is associated with muscle growth, and are expected to see broader use due to their superior safety profile, capturing the majority of the market share, Van Buren said. Other drugs target activin, a protein with multiple biological functions. Van Buren said that activin-based drugs will be reserved for patients at higher risk of losing strength, forecasting sales of about $5 billion by 2035.
