In an unexpected turn, a widely-known weight-loss medication has been found to potentially lower the mortality rate in COVID-19 patients. According to a new study, individuals taking Semaglutide, often referred to as the miracle slimming pill, had a lower death rate and fewer adverse reactions when infected with the novel coronavirus. The findings were published last Friday (August 30) on the website of the prestigious Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC).
Study Details
The study, which is part of the well-known phase III trial SELECT, found that patients who received a weekly injection of 2.4 mg of Semaglutide had fewer deaths directly related to COVID-19 compared to those on a placebo (43 versus 65). Additionally, the Semaglutide group had a lower all-cause mortality rate from severe COVID-19-related adverse events (46 versus 69).
Beyond Weight Loss
The significance of these findings extends beyond the realm of weight loss. Semaglutide, which is marketed in the United States as Wegovy for obesity and Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, has already been shown to have potential benefits in reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular diseases.
One of the paper’s co-authors, Dr. Benjamin Scirica, noted that in his own research, patients treated with Semaglutide saw a 29% reduction in non-cardiac event-related mortality. He added that weight does not seem to be the primary mediator in this discovery.
Additional Health Benefits
The JACC study also revealed that Semaglutide improved symptoms related to heart failure, inflammation, and a variety of other functions. Moreover, it reduced the mortality rate in patients with chronic kidney disease, suggesting that the drug may transcend its reputation as a weight-loss wonder.
Expert Insights
Harlan Krumholz, a prominent cardiologist, professor at the Yale School of Medicine, and editor-in-chief of JACC, spoke to the media about the implications of these findings. I’m starting to think that weight loss is just a ‘side effect’ of this drug. They are really promoting health, he said.
Krumholz further elaborated, I mainly think about cardiovascular metabolic health, but Semaglutide may have other mechanisms that make us healthier. In some ways, it has already helped us fight off some of the adverse effects of COVID-19.
Need for Further Research
However, he also emphasized the need for further research to fully understand the drug’s impact on the human body. In July, a study published in JAMA Ophthalmology suggested a potential risk of developing non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in patients taking Semaglutide.
Conclusion
The discovery that a weight-loss drug may have significant benefits in reducing COVID-19 mortality is a promising development. As the world continues to grapple with the pandemic, any new treatment that can potentially save lives is welcome news. However, it is crucial to conduct additional studies to ensure the safety and efficacy of Semaglutide in this context, and to explore its full range of health benefits and potential risks.
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