Novo's semaglutide shows obesity benefit in Phase II trial

Novo Nordisk A/S (CSE:NOVOB; NYSE:NVO) reported data from a double-blind Phase II trial in 957 obese patients showing that once-daily subcutaneous semaglutide (NN9535) plus diet and exercise led to an estimated weight loss benefit of 13.8% from baseline to week 52 vs. 2.3% for placebo plus diet and exercise. The figure corresponds to a loss of up to 17.8 kg from a mean baseline weight of 111 kg and a body mass index (BMI) of about 39 kg/m² in the semaglutide arm.

Next year, Novo plans start Phase III testing of the product for the weight loss indication...