Novo Nordisk’s diabetes pill slashes risk of cardiovascular complications by 14% after four years

Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk revealed that its Rybelsus diabetes pill demonstrated significant cardiovascular benefits in a late-stage trial. The pill reduced the risk of cardiovascular-related death, heart attack, and stroke by 14% in comparison to a placebo after four years of use on average in patients with both diabetes and established heart disease, demonstrating potential for the medication to become a new treatment option for people with diabetes and heart disease.

The company presented these results at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session in Chicago. The pill is an oral version of Novo Nordisk’s highly successful diabetes injection, Ozempic. The company has already sought approval in the U.S. and EU to widen the pill’s use to include reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular complications.

The data holds promise for patients who are resistant to injections, offering a potentially more convenient treatment method. Global chief medical officer at Novo Nordisk, Stephen Gough, commented that the company aims to provide options for patients, allowing them to choose between oral medication or injections based on individual preference and medical advice.

This news comes amidst efforts by other pharmaceutical companies, including Eli Lilly, to develop oral GLP-1s for diabetes, weight loss, and other conditions such as sleep apnea. The trial encompassed over 9,600 patients aged 50 and above who were either administered Rybelsus or a placebo, in addition to their existing treatment regimen, for just under four years on average.

By the end of the trial, 12% of those taking Rybelsus compared to 13.8% of those taking the placebo experienced cardiovascular-related death, heart attack, or stroke, representing a 14% overall lower risk among those who took Rybelsus.

Rybelsus notably reduced the risk of non-fatal heart attacks by 26%, non-fatal strokes by 12% and cardiovascular-related death by 7% compared to the placebo. However, no significant differentiation was observed between the Rybelsus and placebo groups in terms of kidney function outcomes.

The most common side effects reported were gastrointestinal issues, which infrequently led to patients discontinuing Rybelsus usage. These symptoms align with the side effects of injectable semaglutide. The study’s first author, Dr. Darren McGuire, voiced reassurance that patients could take the drug as directed and enjoy cardiovascular health benefits as a result.