Ground-breaking Study Reveals Ozempic® Enhances Walking Capability and Quality of Life in Diabetic adults suffering from Peripheral Artery Disease

A major breakthrough in diabetes medication has been made with Ozempic® (semaglutide 1.0 mg), shown to notably improve the walking endurance and general quality of life in adults suffering from type 2 diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD). The encouraging findings were presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session and simultaneously published in esteemed scientific journal, The Lancet. The STRIDE trial, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study achieved its primary targets, with semaglutide demonstrating a superior improvement of 13% in maximum walking distance compared to placebo after a year. Additionally, the medication demonstrated a mean treatment difference of 39.9 meters on a steep incline. The trial also displayed the drug’s superiority for all secondary outcomes tested, including pain-free walking distance after a year, augmented health-related quality of life, and a significant improvement in maximum walking distance at week 57. According to Dr. Marc P. Bonaca, Lead Investigator of the STRIDE trial, Ozempic® is transforming treatment options for patients suffering from PAD and diabetes. It is the first medication in more than 20 years to demonstrate marked improvements in cardiometabolic and cardiovascular outcomes alongside vital enhancements in functional capacity and overall quality of life. With PAD being a severe form of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease affecting an estimated 230 million people worldwide, the need for effective treatments is high. Furthermore, nearly one in three people with PAD also have type 2 diabetes, amplifying the severity of the disease. The new findings bolster Novo Nordisk, the creator of Ozempic®, as a leader in not only diabetes and obesity treatment but also in fostering a comprehensive range of metabolic and cardiovascular health agendas. Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president for Development at Novo Nordisk, expresses how these encouraging results highlight the multifaceted health benefits of semaglutide, making it an incredibly strong option for healthcare professionals exploring holistic measures for metabolic and cardiovascular health. The safety results obtained from the STRIDE trial align with the known safety profile of semaglutide, and no new safety concerns were identified during the process.