Novo Nordisk reports Wegovy liver-fat reduction in exploratory STEP UP analysis
Novo Nordisk disclosed an exploratory, post hoc STEP UP analysis in adults with obesity without diabetes who received pooled Wegovy doses. In the 55-participant MRI subgroup, mean liver fat declined from 8.8% to 3.1% at week 72. Among 26 participants whose baseline liver fat exceeded 5%, 23, or 88.5%, reached levels below 5%.
Why it matters
The data add liver-fat measurements to Wegovy's obesity evidence base, but the analysis was post hoc and exploratory rather than a pre-specified trial endpoint. The MRI findings came from a small subgroup and pooled two semaglutide doses, limiting conclusions about a specific dose or a placebo-adjusted effect.
Key facts
- 1The MRI subgroup comprised 55 participants with excess liver fat. stocktitan.net
- 2Mean liver fat in the pooled semaglutide group moved from 8.8% at baseline to 3.1% at week 72. stocktitan.net
- 3Among 26 participants with liver fat above 5% at baseline, 23 participants, or 88.5%, had levels below 5% by week 72. stocktitan.net
- 4The broader post hoc analysis combined 1,919 adults from STEP UP and STEP UP T2D. stocktitan.net
- 5Novo Nordisk said semaglutide 7.2 mg is not being investigated for MASH and expects ESSENCE part 2 results in 2029. stocktitan.net
Open questions
- The MRI analysis was post hoc and exploratory, not a pre-specified primary or secondary endpoint.
- The materials do not provide a placebo MRI result for the 55-participant subgroup.
- The result pools semaglutide 7.2 mg and 2.4 mg, so dose-specific liver-fat effects are not reported.
Summary written by AlphAI from 5 of 5 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.