A recent clinical trial led by experts at the UNC School of Medicine reveals that oral semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, significantly lowers the risk of cardiovascular events in individuals with type 2 diabetes, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease.
Semaglutide, which has garnered attention for its effectiveness in managing blood sugar, weight gain, and even alcohol cravings, has now shown promise in reducing life-threatening complications such as heart attacks and strokes, common among diabetes patients. The trial, co-led by John Buse, MD, PhD, and Matthew Cavender, MD, MPH, was published in The New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session & Expo in Chicago.
“Heart attacks and strokes are among the most devastating complications of diabetes,” said Dr. Buse, the Verne S. Caviness Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Director of the UNC Diabetes Care Center. “Semaglutide has been central to efforts to reduce these events, and the introduction of an oral version marks a significant advancement.”
The study, known as the Semaglutide Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial (SOUL), enrolled 9,650 participants with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease, symptomatic peripheral arterial disease, and cerebrovascular disease. Sponsored by Novo Nordisk, Inc., the trial aimed to assess the efficacy of oral semaglutide in reducing major cardiovascular events when compared to a placebo.
Participants in the trial were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or a once-daily 14mg dose of oral semaglutide, alongside standard glucose-lowering and cardiovascular risk-reducing treatments. Results showed that oral semaglutide reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events by 14% across different ages and genders. Notably, the drug was most effective in reducing the risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction.
These findings are consistent with results from previous trials involving injectable semaglutide. However, further research is necessary to determine whether the oral or injectable form of the medication is more effective in preventing cardiovascular complications in diabetes patients.
Type 2 diabetes, a progressive condition that impairs blood sugar regulation, significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure and cholesterol. With this new evidence, oral semaglutide offers a promising option for reducing these risks while providing a more convenient delivery method compared to injections.
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