"Novo Nordisk's closely-watched Alzheimer's trials of an older oral version of its semaglutide drug failed to help slow the progression of the brain-wasting disease, the firm said on Monday, a blow to the obesity drug giant that sent its shares sliding. The trials, which Novo had previously called a "lottery ticket" to underline its highly uncertain outcome, were testing whether the medicine could slow cognitive decline in patients."
"Erik Berg-Johnsen, portfolio manager at Novo shareholder Storebrand Asset Management, told Reuters that the trial failure was likely "a nail in the coffin" for using its products against Alzheimer's. "The fact that the study was discontinued after two years, despite a planned third year extension, suggests that semaglutide offers virtually no benefit in slowing Alzheimer's progression." Novo's trial was being closely watched as an indication about whether GLP-1 drugs - used by millions for diabetes and weight loss - might slow disease progress."
Novo Nordisk's trials of an older oral semaglutide formulation, Rybelsus, failed to slow progression of Alzheimer's disease. The study was discontinued after two years despite a planned third-year extension, indicating minimal efficacy. The setback undermines hopes that GLP-1 medicines could open a significant new market beyond diabetes and obesity and prompted a drop in the company's shares. Portfolio manager Erik Berg-Johnsen described the failure as likely "a nail in the coffin" for using these products against Alzheimer's. GLP-1 drugs continue to show benefits for type 2 diabetes and obesity amid rising competition in core markets.
Read at Fast Company
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