Wegovy® by Novo Nordisk Reduces Heart Attack, Stroke, or Death Risk by 57% Compared to Tirzepatide in Real-World Study of Obese Individuals with Cardiovascular Disease

Wegovy vs. Tirzepatide: Cardiovascular Benefits

• Significant Risk Reduction: Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) demonstrated a 57% greater reduction in the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from any cause compared to tirzepatide in patients with obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) who adhered to treatment without gaps.
• Overall Risk Comparison: In a broader analysis, Wegovy users experienced a 29% reduction in the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from any cause compared to those using tirzepatide, regardless of treatment gaps.

Study Details and Findings

• STEER Study Presentation: Novo Nordisk presented findings from the STEER study at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2025, which focused on real-world patient experiences comparing Wegovy and tirzepatide in adults with obesity and established CVD.
• Event Statistics: The study recorded 15 cardiovascular events (0.1%) in the Wegovy group versus 39 events (0.4%) in the tirzepatide group, with average follow-up durations of 3.8 months for Wegovy and 4.3 months for tirzepatide.

Implications of the Findings

• Unique Cardiovascular Benefits: The results suggest that the cardiovascular benefits associated with Wegovy are specific to the semaglutide molecule and cannot be generalized to other GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1-based treatments.
• Support from Previous Trials: The findings align with previous studies, including the SELECT trial, which indicated a 20% risk reduction in cardiovascular events with Wegovy.

Context of Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease

• Global Impact: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, with nearly 21 million deaths annually. Obesity significantly contributes to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
• Rising Obesity-Related Deaths: Despite a decrease in overall cardiovascular mortality, deaths related to obesity have increased, with two-thirds of obesity-related deaths linked to CVD.

About the STEER Study

• Study Design: The STEER study was a retrospective, observational analysis comparing the efficacy of Wegovy and tirzepatide in preventing major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among US adults aged 45 and older with obesity and established CVD.
• Participant Matching: The study included 10,625 participants in each treatment group, with propensity score matching used to ensure comparability between Wegovy and tirzepatide users.

Overview of Wegovy

• Indications: Wegovy is indicated in the EU for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight and related comorbid conditions, and for pediatric patients aged 12 and older with obesity.
• US Indications: In the US, Wegovy is indicated to reduce the risk of MACE in adults with established CVD and either obesity or overweight.

About Novo Nordisk

• Company Background: Novo Nordisk, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark, focuses on chronic disease management, particularly diabetes, and employs approximately 78,400 people globally.