#USA #Cardiovascular #Semaglutide #Plainsboro #SCORE study

Semaglutide’s Impact on Cardiovascular Health: Insights from the SCORE Study

In a groundbreaking presentation at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session and Expo 2025, Novo Nordisk shared compelling findings from the SCORE study, a retrospective analysis aimed at understanding the effects of semaglutide 2.4 mg on cardiovascular events. This analysis stands as a critical addition to the existing knowledge provided by the earlier SELECT trial, showcasing real-world data that emphasizes the therapeutic potential of semaglutide for individuals grappling with obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Understanding the SCORE Study

The SCORE study analyzed data from 27,963 patients who were either overweight or obese and already had established cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study specifically looked at the treatment impact of semaglutide 2.4 mg, a medication previously approved for weight management and the reduction of significant cardiovascular risks. The retrospective nature of the study meant that the data reflected real-world clinical practices, thereby providing essential insights that could inform treatment modalities.

Key Findings

One of the most striking outcomes from the SCORE analysis showed that users of semaglutide experienced a 57% reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE-3), which includes heart attack, stroke, or death due to any cause. The corresponding figures revealed that only 42 out of 9,321 patients (0.45%) receiving semaglutide experienced these outcomes compared to 175 out of 18,642 non-users (0.94%). The average follow-up duration for patients on semaglutide was approximately 7.1 months, allowing for significant insights into the medication's effectiveness compared to non-users who had an average of 6.4 months of follow-up.

Moreover, when expanding the parameters to the composite endpoint of MACE-5—heart attack, stroke, hospitalization for heart failure, coronary revascularization, or all-cause death—there was still a notable 45% decrease in risk seen among semaglutide users compared to non-users. Here, 88 events occurred in the semaglutide group (0.94%) versus 288 in the non-user group (1.54%).

These findings highlight that semaglutide's benefits extend beyond weight loss, showcasing its role in mitigating the risks associated with cardiovascular health. Dr. Jason Brett, Acting Principal Medical Head at Novo Nordisk, emphasized that real-world analyses provide crucial information complementing randomized controlled trials. This type of data offers healthcare professionals deeper insights into the therapeutic performance of medications during routine clinical practices, particularly for patients facing obesity and cardiovascular challenges.

Limitations of Real-World Data

While the SCORE study presents promising results, it's essential to recognize the constraints of real-world data. The retrospective design can introduce residual confounding factors that may affect outcomes. Although there are significant associations between semaglutide usage and reduced cardiovascular risks, establishing direct causal relationships remains complex. Additionally, the recent approval of semaglutide places limitations on long-term follow-up assessments, making it difficult to gauge the full extent of its benefits over time.

Semaglutide 2.4 mg Overview

Semaglutide 2.4 mg is an injectable medication that aids in treating obesity and overweight issues, especially in adults and children over 12 years old who face various weight-related health complications. Its efficacy is further endorsed by a Boxed Warning regarding possible thyroid tumors, particularly for those with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Notably, it is approved for reducing risks associated with significant cardiovascular events, positioning it as a critical component in managing patients with CVD.

Conclusion

The SCORE study reinforces the need for ongoing research and continuous evaluation of treatments like semaglutide as we aim to understand better how to manage obesity and cardiovascular risks. As the medical community looks to enhance patient outcomes for those with chronic conditions, the insights derived from real-world studies like SCORE will be pivotal in refining treatment strategies and improving quality of life for those affected by these serious health issues. Ultimately, with organizations like Novo Nordisk leading the charge, there is a growing optimism about harnessing therapeutic tools to combat obesity and its associated cardiovascular complications.