Novo Nordisk, a world leader in insulin and diabetes care, has launched Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg), the first glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist the United States. Saxenda is a drug used to treat obesity. Saxenda has approved in the US, EU and Canada.
In the US, it is indicated as an supplement to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI >=30 kg/m2) or who are overweight (BMI >=27 kg/m2) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition.
Saxenda was evaluated in the SCALE (Satiety and Clinical Adiposity-Liraglutide Evidence in Nondiabetic and Diabetic people) phase 3 clinical trial programme. 5,000 study participants were involved. Participants were included more than who have obesity (BMI >=30 kg/m2) or who are overweight (BMI >=27 kg/m2) with weight-related comorbidities. Trial data showed that Saxenda, in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, results greater weight loss than reduced calorie diet and physical activity alone.
Obesity is a complex disorder involving an excessive amount of body fat. The global increase in the prevalence of obesity is a public health issue. Obesity has grown in prevalence in the United States and around the world. Its affecting approximately 35% of the US adult population. Obesity is associated with serious co-morbidities, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer The launch of Saxenda is an important milestone in Novo Nordisk's long-term commitment to obesity treatment. Novo Nordisk expects to launch Saxenda in several other markets starting in 2015.
Saxenda is a once-daily glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue with 97% similarity to naturally occurring human GLP-1, a hormone that is released in response to food intake. Like human GLP-1, Saxenda regulates appetite and lowers body weight through decreased food intake. As with other GLP-1 receptor agonists, liraglutide stimulates insulin secretion and reduces glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. These effects can lead to a reduction of blood glucose.
Subscribe to PharmaTutor News Alerts by Email >>
