Novo Nordisk UK has announced that Ozempic (semaglutide), a new once-weekly GLP-1 analogue injection for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes is now available in the UK.
Ozempic works by mimicking the function of the GLP-1 (human glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone produced in the gut that lowers post-meal blood glucose levels and also slows glucose absorption into the bloodstream. Ozempic should be used alongside diet and exercise, as monotherapy when metformin is considered inappropriate due to intolerance or contraindications or in addition to other medicinal products for the treatment of diabetes when type 2 diabetes is insufficiently controlled.
The EU licensing of Ozempic is based on results from the SUSTAIN clinical trial programme which consistently demonstrated:
- superior glycaemic control compared to dulaglutide, exenatide once weekly, sitagliptin and insulin glargine U1006
- superior and sustained weight loss compared to dulaglutide, exenatide once weekly, sitagliptin and insulin glargine U1006
- cardiovascular benefits vs placebo both in addition to standard of care in people with type 2 diabetes at high risk for CV events7
Steve Bain, Professor of Medicine (Diabetes) at Swansea University and Assistant Medical Director for Research & Development for ABM University Health Board and Clinical Lead for the Diabetes Research Network, Wales has commented, “We know that people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes are at risk of serious complications and that can have a real impact on their lives. Being able to offer medicines such as Ozempic, which people only need to take once a week, is an important step in helping to control the condition and reducing those risks.”
Dr Avideh Nazeri, Director of Clinical, Medical and Regulatory for Novo Nordisk UK said: “When Type 2 diabetes is well managed, the risk of life-changing and life-limiting complications can be reduced. Novo Nordisk is proud to bring Ozempic to people living with Type 2 diabetes in the UK. We believe the clinical profile of Ozempic will help to meet the real and serious needs of those living with this condition.”
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