Novo Nordisk CagriSema shows higher weight loss than Mounjaro in Phase 3 study

Novo Nordisk has announced results from its Phase 3 REIMAGINE 5 study regarding CagriSema, an experimental medication for diabetes and obesity. The study, which monitored adults with type 2 diabetes over 60 weeks, showed that patients receiving the combination of cagrilintide and semaglutide lost an average of 12.4% of their body weight. This compares to a 9.1% weight loss in patients treated with 5 mg of tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro.

In terms of diabetes control, CagriSema reduced glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 1.71 percentage points, slightly higher than the 1.67 percentage point reduction seen with tirzepatide. While CagriSema showed higher weight loss than the 5 mg dose of tirzepatide, researchers noted it did not necessarily outperform higher doses of Mounjaro, such as the 15 mg dose which has shown up to 25.5% weight loss in other studies.

The rise in popularity of these weight-loss medications is also impacting the plastic surgery field. Medical professionals report a shift in patient profiles, as significant weight loss often leads to concerns regarding excess skin and changes in body and facial contours. Factors such as age, genetics, and the speed of weight loss influence how much skin remains loose in areas like the abdomen, arms, and face.