New clinical findings presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2025 highlight the impressive cardiovascular protective capabilities of Novo Nordisk A/S's Wegovy (semaglutide) 2.4 mg. This real-world evidence, gathered from actual patient experiences in the STEER study, demonstrates Wegovy's superior efficacy in mitigating the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) when compared to Eli Lilly and Co.'s tirzepatide, marketed as Zepbound and Mounjaro. The study specifically focused on individuals with overweight or obesity who had pre-existing cardiovascular disease but were not diabetic, offering valuable insights into the drug's broader therapeutic impact beyond weight management.
The study's meticulous analysis revealed a remarkable 57% greater reduction in the risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular-related death, or death from any cause, for patients consistently using Wegovy without significant treatment interruptions exceeding 30 days. In this cohort, only 15 (0.1%) cardiovascular events were recorded with Wegovy, contrasting sharply with 39 (0.4%) events observed in the tirzepatide group over similar average follow-up periods. Furthermore, when considering all treated patients, irrespective of any gaps in their medication, Wegovy still demonstrated a substantial 29% lower risk of these critical cardiovascular incidents compared to tirzepatide, reinforcing its robust protective profile across diverse adherence patterns. These findings emerge as Eli Lilly continues to advance its own pipeline for obesity, with recent positive Phase 3 trial results for oral orforglipron showing promising outcomes in weight reduction, blood sugar control, and improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors.
This groundbreaking research underscores the transformative potential of medications like Wegovy in not only addressing obesity but also in profoundly improving cardiovascular health outcomes for vulnerable populations. The clear advantage shown by Wegovy in reducing severe cardiovascular events offers a beacon of hope and emphasizes the importance of continued research and development in this critical area of public health. As pharmaceutical advancements continue to unfold, prioritizing therapies that offer comprehensive benefits, such as significant weight loss coupled with vital cardiovascular protection, will be paramount in combating the multifaceted challenges of obesity and associated comorbidities.