Novo Nordisk recently announced exciting news about Rybelsus, its diabetes pill. In a late-stage trial, Rybelsus showed significant cardiovascular benefits for individuals with diabetes and heart disease. Patients who took the pill had a 14% lower risk of cardiovascular-related death, heart attacks, and strokes compared to those on a placebo over an average of four years.

This information was shared at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session in Chicago. Rybelsus is already approved for treating Type 2 diabetes, but Novo Nordisk is seeking approval to broaden its use to include reducing serious cardiovascular risks. Stephen Gough, the company’s global chief medical officer, highlighted the importance of having more options for patients who might prefer a pill over an injection.
In this study, more than 9,600 patients, aged 50 and older, participated. Nearly half of them were also on medications called SGLT2 inhibitors, which help lower blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. By the end of the study, 12% of patients taking Rybelsus experienced cardiovascular issues, while 13.8% of those on placebo did, confirming the pill’s effectiveness in reducing risks.
Interestingly, Rybelsus also lowered the risk of non-fatal heart attacks by 26% and non-fatal strokes by 12%. This aligns with results seen in previous studies involving injectable GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, which also promote better blood sugar control and appetite regulation.
While the trial mainly focused on cardiovascular benefits, there was no notable difference in kidney function outcomes between the groups. However, Ozempic is already recognized for treating chronic kidney disease in diabetes patients.
For some, the thought of needing injections can be daunting. “We understand that not everyone is comfortable with injections,” Gough said. “Offering an oral option can lead to a more personalized treatment plan, depending on patients’ preferences.”
Despite the positive results, participants did report some gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and constipation. These symptoms are common with GLP-1 drugs, but most people continued taking Rybelsus without stopping.
Dr. Darren McGuire, a professor of medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center and the study’s first author, noted that participants managed to take Rybelsus correctly, which is important for realizing its cardiovascular benefits. Rybelsus needs to be taken on an empty stomach and should be consumed with a small amount of water prior to breakfast.
As obesity and related health issues continue to rise, the demand for effective diabetes medications grows. The recent emphasis on cardiovascular health in diabetes management highlights the need for treatments that address multiple aspects of patients’ well-being.
With a trend toward safer, more convenient medication options, Rybelsus’s findings could reshape how diabetes is treated, providing hope for many who want better means of managing their health. For more information on GLP-1 medications and their benefits, check out the latest updates from the American College of Cardiology here.
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