Novo Nordisk’s experimental weight-loss drug, CagriSema, has shown mostly mild-to-moderate side effects in two late-stage trials. The results, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that patients lost nearly 23% of their weight, while those with type 2 diabetes lost around 16%. While these outcomes were not as impressive as expected, the company’s CEO, Martin Holst Lange, said it was a positive start.
The trial showed that 79.6% of CagriSema patients experienced mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal side effects, compared to 39.9% of placebo patients. However, serious adverse events were rare, occurring in only 9.8% of CagriSema patients and 6.1% of placebo patients.
The full Phase 3 results also revealed that nearly three-quarters of patients with a glycated hemoglobin level of 6.5% or less achieved this threshold, indicating improved blood sugar control. The results suggest that CagriSema may be a valuable addition to existing weight-loss options for patients struggling with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Novo Nordisk plans to file regulatory approvals for CagriSema in the first quarter of 2026, with approval expected around early 2027. The company is also conducting further trials to measure its impact on cardiovascular outcomes.
The discovery of amylin, a hunger-suppressing pancreatic hormone, has been shown to boost energy expenditure in animal studies. If this effect is seen in humans, it could help mitigate the body’s metabolic adaptation to weight loss, according to Dr. Melanie Davies, lead investigator of the CagriSema diabetes trial.
With CagriSema, Novo Nordisk offers a new treatment option for patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes, providing flexibility and reduced side effects compared to existing treatments like tirzepatide.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/data-novo-nordisk-experimental-weight-loss-drug-show-mostly-mild-side-effects-2025-06-22