Novo Nordisk said on Tuesday that a large study has shown that its drug “Vicovi” to treat obesity has a clear clinical benefit in addition to weight loss.

And the Danish company said – in a report – that weekly injections of the drug reduced the risk of serious injury related to the heart and blood vessels, such as stroke, by 20% in overweight or obese people. heart disease

The result was much better than investors’ and analysts’ expectations for the rate to be between 15 and 17% before the data was released.

The study, called SELECT, involved 17,500 patients aged 45 or older with no history of diabetes. It began nearly five years ago to test the clinical benefits of weekly injections.

Martin Holst-Lang, the company’s executive vice president for development, said the results of the pivotal trial showed that Vecovi “has the potential to change the way obesity is treated and treated.” The company added that it expects to file for regulatory approval for the weekly injection in the US and EU this year.

The results of the experiment will be presented in detail at a scientific conference later this year.

The increasingly popular drug has transformed the weight loss drug market since its launch in the US in June 2021, drawing attention from patients, investors and celebrities around the world and sending Novo shares soaring.

The infusion makes patients feel fuller for longer and leads to an average weight loss of 15% when combined with diet changes and exercise.