Novo begins study to find lowest effective dose for Wegovy pill

LONDON, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk NOVOb.CO is testing lower doses of its Wegovy pill in a new late-stage study to find the lowest dose that still helps patients lose weight, according to a U.S. government database of clinical trials.

Novo is under pressure after losing ground to U.S. rival Eli Lilly LLY.N in the obesity drug market that analysts expect will be worth over $100 billion a year by 2030.

Its Wegovy pill, which brought in sales of 3.22 billion Danish crowns ($499.80 million) in the second quarter, is a key focus for investors.

The new study for lower doses began on August 12 and will continue until 2028. Below are more details about the trial:

• The trial aims to recruit 450 participants aged 18 and older who have previously struggled to lose weight through dieting.
• Patients who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above, or 27 or above with a weight-related health issue, will be included in the study.
• The main goal of the study is to test whether lower doses of oral semaglutide — the active ingredient in Wegovy — help people lose more weight than a placebo over 60 weeks.
• Patients with diabetes, those with recent major weight changes, and anyone currently taking GLP-1 weight-loss medications will not be included in the study.
• The trial will also measure how many people lose at least 5%, 10% or 15% of their body weight, and track changes in waist size and other health measures, as well as side effects, as secondary goals.
• The database does not provide details of which dose strengths will be tested.
• The Wegovy pill is currently approved in doses of 1.5 milligrams and 4 mg, 9 mg and a higher long-term dose of 25 mg.