LONDON: Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk is testing lower doses of its Wegovy pill in a new late-stage study to find the lowest dose that still helps patients lose weight, according to a U.S. government database of clinical trials.Novo is under pressure after losing ground to U.S. rival Eli Lilly in the obesity drug market that analysts expect will be worth over $100 billion a year by 2030.Its Wegovy pill, which brought in sales of 3.22 billion Danish crowns ($499.80 million) in the second quarter, is a key focus for investors.The new study for lower doses began on August 12 and will continue until 2028. Below are more details about the trial:The trial aims to recruit 450 participants aged 18 and older who have previously struggled to lose weight through dieting.Patients who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above, or 27 or above with a weight-related health issue, will be included in the study.The main goal of the study is to test whether lower doses of oral semaglutide - the active ingredient in Wegovy - help people lose more weight than a placebo over 60 weeks.Patients with diabetes, those with recent major weight changes, and anyone currently taking GLP-1 weight-loss medications will not be included in the study.The trial will also measure how many people lose at least 5%, 10% or 15% of their body weight, and track changes in waist size and other health measures, as well as side effects, as secondary goals.The database does not provide details of which dose strengths will be tested.The Wegovy pill is currently approved in doses of 1.5 milligrams and 4 mg, 9 mg and a higher long-term dose of 25 mg.
