Novo Nordisk (NVO) said Friday its phase 3b trial comparing subcutaneous semaglutide 7.2 mg with semaglutide 2.4 mg and placebo achieved its primary endpoint by demonstrating a "statistically significant and superior" weight loss at week 72.

The trial, which involved 1,407 adults with obesity, showed participants administered with semaglutide 7.2 mg on a weekly basis alongside lifestyle interventions achieved a 20.7% weight loss from a mean baseline weight of 113 kg. This compares to a 17.5% reduction with semaglutide 2.4 mg and 2.4% with placebo.

The trial demonstrated that 33.2% of participants receiving semaglutide 7.2 mg achieved at least 25% weight loss, outperforming the 16.7% with semaglutide 2.4 mg and 0% with placebo.

Novo Nordisk said the semaglutide 7.2 mg demonstrated a safe and well-tolerated profile, with most adverse events being mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues that diminished over time.

Novo Nordisk shares were 2.5% lower in premarket trading.