Novo Nordisk’s STEP UP Trial Highlights New Advances in Obesity Treatment

Novo Nordisk has announced promising results from the STEP UP trial, a 72-week phase 3b study exploring the efficacy and safety of semaglutide 7.2 mg for obesity treatment. The trial, part of the global STEP programme, included 1,407 adults with obesity undergoing weekly subcutaneous injections of semaglutide 7.2 mg, semaglutide 2.4 mg, or placebo, combined with lifestyle interventions. Semaglutide 7.2 mg significantly outperformed placebo and semaglutide 2.4 mg, achieving an average weight reduction of 20.7% from a baseline weight of 113 kg, compared to 17.5% and 2.4%, respectively.

The trial also revealed that 33.2% of participants receiving semaglutide 7.2 mg experienced over 25% weight loss after 72 weeks, a notable improvement over the 16.7% observed with the 2.4 mg dose. Safety outcomes were consistent with the GLP-1 receptor agonist class, with mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal side effects diminishing over time. "These results underscore the potential of semaglutide 7.2 mg to significantly impact obesity management," stated Martin Holst Lange, Novo Nordisk’s executive vice president for Development. Detailed findings from the trial will be shared at a scientific conference in 2025, with further results from related studies expected in the coming months.