Weight Loss Drug Does Not Slow Alzheimer’s, Says Drug Maker
A widely-used diabetes and weight-loss medication has failed to slow cognitive decline in people with early Alzheimer’s disease, pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has announced.
The company’s study tested semaglutide – sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy – in people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Despite hopes that the drug might protect brain function, trial results showed no significant benefit compared to those who did not receive the medication.
Dr Susan Kohlhaas, Executive Director of Research and Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Research UK, described the news as “disappointing” for those affected by the condition.
“These trial results are another reminder that Alzheimer’s is driven by several different biological processes. No single approach is likely to be enough,” Dr Kohlhaas said. “The field now needs to focus on understanding those processes in much greater detail and developing treatments that can be used together to tackle the disease from multiple angles.”
What the study involved
The EVOKE phase 3 trial enrolled participants aged 55 to 85 who showed signs of amyloid protein in their brains – a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. A separate group, called EVOKE+, included people whose brain scans also revealed blood vessel damage alongside amyloid buildup.
In both groups, semaglutide failed to slow the rate of cognitive decline.
The medication, known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is primarily prescribed to manage type 2 diabetes and aid weight loss by reducing appetite, slowing digestion, and improving blood sugar control.
Earlier research had suggested people taking GLP-1 medications for diabetes appeared to have a lower risk of developing dementia, raising hopes the drug might offer protective benefits. However, the EVOKE trial results have not supported this theory.
Full trial findings are expected to be presented at the Clinical Trials in Alzheimer’s Disease conference in December and await publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Looking ahead
Despite the setback, experts believe valuable lessons can be learned. Dr Kohlhaas noted that the growing use of GLP-1 medicines through private prescriptions for weight loss presents an opportunity to gather real-world data on their longer-term effects.
“Making full use of that information will help shape future research and strengthen the evidence base the field relies on,” she said.
Alzheimer’s treatment development requires a multi-pronged approach, including therapies that remove harmful brain proteins, protect brain cells from damage, and repair existing harm.
“People with Alzheimer’s urgently need better options, and this setback reinforces the need to invest in the science that can drive real progress towards a cure,” Dr Kohlhaas added.
