In a revealing look at Novo Nordisk's next-generation weight loss medication, CagriSema, clinical trial participants have shared their experiences with the experimental drug, highlighting both remarkable weight loss results and significant side effects. The new combination therapy, which pairs the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic with an additional appetite suppressant, demonstrated an average weight reduction of 22.7% after 68 weeks of treatment.
Unprecedented Weight Loss Results
Trial participant "Jane" reported losing 29% of her body weight – approximately 40kg (88lbs) – in just over a year, significantly outperforming the 15% average weight loss typically seen with Ozempic. The trial data showed that 40.4% of participants achieved weight loss of 25% or more, though the overall average fell short of Novo Nordisk's targeted 25% reduction.
Patient-Reported Side Effects
Participants described varying degrees of adverse effects, with some experiencing severe reactions. Jane reported concerning fainting episodes during the first six months of treatment, while another participant, Michelle Rivera from Dallas, described a complete loss of appetite that persisted for approximately six months.
"Literally nothing was appetizing," Rivera explained, who has lost about 22% of her body weight during the trial. She adapted to the side effects by prioritizing protein, water, and fiber intake to combat common issues like constipation.
Another participant, identified as Leigh, reported experiencing severe post-injection symptoms: "The nausea, fatigue, and brain fog... are so bad that I sometimes can't leave bed," she revealed. Despite losing 18% of her weight and describing the medicine as "life-changing," she expressed concerns about the long-term sustainability of dealing with such intense side effects.
Clinical Protocol and Dosing Considerations
The trial employed a flexible dosing protocol, allowing participants to adjust their dose strength based on side effect tolerance. Only 57.3% of patients reached the maximum dose, raising questions about whether this was due to adverse effects or sufficient weight loss at lower doses.
Future Development Plans
Novo Nordisk plans to initiate new trials by June, with complete data from recent studies to be released concurrently. The company aims to submit CagriSema for regulatory approval by the end of 2025. Market analysts project substantial commercial potential, with expected sales reaching $7.4 billion by 2029.
The pharmaceutical landscape for obesity treatment continues to evolve, with Eli Lilly, manufacturer of Mounjaro and Zepbound, and other companies developing similar treatments to address the growing obesity crisis in the United States.
