By Fineline Cube 
Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO, CPH: NOVO-B) announced groundbreaking secondary analysis results from the SELECT trial. The findings indicate that Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) offers significant early cardioprotective effects in adults with overweight/obesity and pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD). These results highlight a 37% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within the first three months of treatment. Additionally, by six months, the risk of cardiovascular death was 50% lower, and the composite risk of heart failure-related hospitalization or cardiovascular death was reduced by 59%.
Beyond Weight Loss
Notably, these cardiovascular benefits emerged before significant weight loss occurred (≤5% weight reduction), suggesting that Wegovy’s cardioprotective mechanisms extend beyond its metabolic effects. This builds on prior SELECT trial data, which demonstrated a 20% reduction in MACE risk over a mean treatment duration of 39.8 months.
Clinical Implications
Wegovy is currently approved in China for long-term weight management in adults with a BMI ≥30 (obesity) or BMI ≥27 with weight-related comorbidities such as hypertension. The new data further reinforce the value of Wegovy in high-risk populations with concurrent CVD and obesity.-Fineline Info & Tech