Zinger Key Points
- Semaglutide 7.2 mg achieved 20.7% weight loss at 72 weeks versus 17.5% for 2.4 mg and 2.4% for placebo in the STEP UP trial.
- 33.2% of participants on 7.2 mg lost ≥25% body weight compared to 16.7% for 2.4 mg and 0% for placebo.
- Get Real-Time News and Alerts for Your Portfolio
On Friday, Novo Nordisk A/S NVO released headline results from the STEP UP Phase 3b trial in the global STEP program.
Semaglutide 2.4 mg is marketed under the brand name Wegovy. STEP UP is a 72-week efficacy and safety trial investigating subcutaneous semaglutide 7.2 mg compared to semaglutide 2.4 mg and placebo, all administered once weekly.
Also Read: Novo Nordisk’s Hybrid Weight Loss Drug Falls Short On Expectations, Stock Plunges
The trial included 1,407 randomized adults with obesity. All treatment arms were in conjunction with lifestyle intervention.
The trial achieved its primary endpoint by demonstrating a statistically significant and superior weight loss at week 72 with semaglutide 7.2 mg versus placebo.
When evaluating the effects of treatment if all people adhered to treatment from a mean baseline body weight of 113 kg, people treated with semaglutide 7.2 mg achieved a superior weight loss of 20.7% after 72 weeks compared to a reduction of 17.5% with semaglutide 2.4 mg and 2.4% with placebo.
In addition, 33.2% of those who received semaglutide 7.2 mg achieved a weight loss of 25% or more after 72 weeks, compared to 16.7% with semaglutide 2.4 mg and 0.0% with placebo.
When applying the treatment policy estimand, people treated with semaglutide 7.2 mg achieved a superior weight loss of 18.7% compared to a reduction of 15.6% with semaglutide 2.4 mg and 3.9% with placebo.
In the trial, semaglutide 7.2 mg appeared to have a safe and well-tolerated profile.
The results from the second semaglutide 7.2 mg phase 3 trial, STEP UP T2D, in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity are expected within the next few months.
Detailed results from the STEP UP trial are expected to be presented at a scientific conference in 2025.
Price Action: NVO stock is down 4.37% at $79.44 during the premarket session at the last check on Friday.
Read Next:
Photo by Tobias Arhelger via Shutterstock
© 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Trade confidently with insights and alerts from analyst ratings, free reports and breaking news that affects the stocks you care about.
