Novo Nordisk's CagriSema Reduces Blood Pressure and Inflammation, Lowers Heart Disease Risk

Blood Pressure and Inflammation Reduction

In the REDEFINE 1 trial, CagriSema, an investigational treatment, demonstrated a 10.9 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure over 68 weeks. This effect was observed regardless of BMI and allowed 40% of participants on blood pressure medications to reduce or stop their medication. Additionally, CagriSema showed a 68.9% reduction in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), a key inflammatory marker, suggesting its anti-inflammatory effects are not solely dependent on weight loss.

Cardiovascular Risk Reduction

CagriSema treatment resulted in fewer individuals being at intermediate-to-high risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) within the next 10 years. The ongoing REDEFINE 3 trial aims to further investigate CagriSema's impact on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with established cardiovascular disease, with or without type 2 diabetes.

Trial Details and Safety

The REDEFINE 1 trial was a double-blind, placebo-and active-controlled study involving 3,417 adults with obesity or overweight and without type 2 diabetes. Safety data indicated that adverse events were mainly gastrointestinal, including nausea, constipation, and vomiting, and were mostly transient and mild-to-moderate in severity. Discontinuation rates due to adverse events were low, with 6% for CagriSema compared to 3.7% for placebo.