Oral Semaglutide Reduces Heart Failure Risk
A new clinical study shows that oral semaglutide lowers the risk of heart failure events in people with Type 2 diabetes. The findings bolster the case for GLP-1-based therapies as dual-purpose interventions that aid glycemic control while protecting cardiac function.
This particular study was a secondary analysis of the Semaglutide Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial (SOUL), an international clinical trial involving nearly 9,650 adults with Type 2 diabetes who also had cardiovascular or chronic kidney disease. The participants were followed for an average of almost four years. The benefit was most significant for patients who already had a history of heart failure. In this group, those taking oral semaglutide were about 22% less likely to be hospitalized for heart failure, have an urgent heart failure visit, or die from cardiovascular causes compared to those on a placebo. No significant reduction in heart failure events was seen in participants without a prior history of the condition. The positive effects were especially noteworthy in patients with a common and difficult-to-treat form of the condition known as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This adds to a growing body of evidence that GLP-1 receptor agonists could be particularly beneficial for this patient population, which has historically had limited treatment options. Oral semaglutide is sold under the brand name Rybelsus for Type 2 diabetes. It is the first GLP-1 receptor agonist available in pill form, offering a more convenient option for patients who may be unwilling or unable to take injections. The same active ingredient, semaglutide, is also available as an injectable for diabetes (Ozempic) and for weight management (Wegovy). GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. Beyond blood sugar control, they have been shown to have multiple cardiovascular benefits, including promoting weight loss, reducing blood pressure, and improving lipid levels. These combined effects contribute to their ability to lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. The development of semaglutide originated from research in the late 1980s and was led by a team at the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. Initially focused on diabetes, researchers noticed the side effect of weight loss, which led to broader applications for the drug. The first injectable version, Ozempic, was approved by the FDA in 2017.
