The first two clinical trials to look at the effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists (GLP-1s) on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have delivered disappointing results. In November, Novo Nordisk announced the outcome of phase 3 studies testing GLP-1 weight-loss drug Ozempic (semaglutide) on AD. Although the drugs have shown neuroprotective effects in animal models, those effects may not, as many hoped, extend to AD as the medication did not slow disease progression.
The EVOKE and EVOKE+ studies were presented at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease conference on 1–4 December in San Diego. Over 3,000 patients aged 55–85 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early dementia due to AD were assigned either Ozempic or placebo. After 104 weeks of treatment plus a 52-week extension, there was no difference between the two groups.
