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Novo Nordisk's Latest Findings from Semaglutide Trials

Novo Nordisk has presented promising data from the Evoke and Evoke+ phase 3 clinical trials of semaglutide, an oral GLP-1 medication, during the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease (CTAD) conference in San Diego on December 4, 2025. While the trials did not meet their primary goals, the biomarker findings revealed valuable insights into Alzheimer’s pathobiology and pushed forward the discussion about developing next-generation therapies targeted at the disease.

Dr. Howard Fillit, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF), noted that despite the disappointing results, such high-stakes research is crucial for enhancing our understanding of Alzheimer’s. He emphasized that even negative outcomes contribute to progress by offering lessons that better inform future studies. Historical analysis shows that early trials assessing anti-amyloid drugs, which were unsuccessful, nevertheless laid the groundwork for successful subsequent developments, resulting in medications such as Leqembi and Kisunla.

The Evoke trials were well-designed and rigorous, yielding key takeaways that will guide upcoming research methodologies. One significant finding was notable reductions—by as much as 10%—in biomarkers associated with neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease, a change significant enough statistically, although it fell short of translating into clinical impacts.

ADDF has consistently championed a comprehensive investigation into Alzheimer’s pathobiology, providing almost $1 million since 2011 to support pioneering studies by Dr. Paul Edison that explored earlier generations of GLP-1 medications. Dr. Edison, a prominent figure in this field with a position at Imperial College London, reiterated the importance of studying metabolic pathways and emphasized the continuous need to refine methods that enhance their efficacy for patients.

Currently, over 70% of Alzheimer’s drug development focuses on non-amyloid targets, indicating a shift towards precision medicine and multi-drug therapies. This transition is critical, as evidenced by the advancements seen in cancer treatment strategies. Dr. Fillit points out that even when studies like Evoke and Evoke+ do not achieve their main objectives, the resulting biomarker data can illuminate better pathways for therapy optimization and combination strategies.

Despite the mixed outcomes from these trials, they represent a significant step in understanding the complex mechanisms behind Alzheimer’s disease and stress the need for continued exploration of innovative treatment approaches. In March 2026, further results from these trials will be showcased at the International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases (AD/PD) in Copenhagen, promising additional insights into potential next steps in the treatment landscape.

The ADDF's long-standing commitment to fast-tracking drug development for Alzheimer’s is evident through their financial support of numerous projects. Notably, their efforts have helped bring the first Alzheimer’s PET scan and essential blood tests to the market, further highlighting their pivotal role in the sector. With over $370 million allocated to research initiatives across 21 countries, the ADDF remains a major player in the push for effective Alzheimer’s therapies.

In conclusion, while the Evoke trials might not have met their primary endpoints, they underscore a vital paradigm shift toward understanding and treating Alzheimer’s disease through a comprehensive lens, encouraging future exploration of both GLP-1 therapies and other innovative solutions. As the field progresses, a collaborative approach focusing on multiple biological pathways may yield the breakthroughs needed to tackle this complex illness.