Novo Nordisk's Rybelsus (semaglutide), a pill approved for type 2 diabetes, has failed to show a statistically significant reduction in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
The company announced the top-line results from the 2-year primary analysis of the evoke and evoke+ phase 3 trials of oral semaglutide compared to placebo on top of standard of care in early-stage symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. The trials both saw an improvement in disease-related biomarkers but no delay in disease progression compared to the placebo. These results mean that the one-year extension period in the trials will be discontinued.
“Based on the significant unmet need in Alzheimer’s disease as well as a number of indicative data points, we felt we had a responsibility to explore semaglutide’s potential, despite a low likelihood of success. We are proud to have conducted two well-controlled phase 3 trials in Alzheimer’s disease that meet the highest standards of research and rigorous methodology,” said Martin Holst Lange, chief scientific officer and executive vice president of R&D at Novo Nordisk.