Scientists believe that the drug used to treat Type 2 Diabetes and obesity could have an additional beneficial effect – slowing down the aging process. Semaglutide, known by the brand name Ozempic, “provides benefits that are much broader than we thought,” Yale School of Medicine professor Harlan Krumholz said after the release of several new studies.
Studies suggest that this drug can help treat a variety of ailments, including heart failure, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and possibly cancer.
Professor Krumholz pointed out during the European Society of Cardiology Conference 2024: “It wouldn’t surprise me if this kind of health improvement actually contributes to slowing the aging process.”
The new results were published in several medical journals, including the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JAAC), which is edited by Professor Harlan Krumholz.
“These innovative drugs have the potential to completely change cardiovascular medicine and significantly improve the health of the heart and blood vessels,” pointed out Professor Krumholz.
The study is part of the Select trial, funded by Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic. More than 17,600 people aged 45 and older participated in the research, which involved receiving either a daily dose of 2.4 mg of Semaglutide or a placebo for more than 3 years.
All participants were obese or overweight and had cardiovascular problems, but did not suffer from diabetes. The results showed that people who received the drug had a significantly lower rate of death from all causes, including heart disease and COVID-19, compared to the placebo group.
Although patients using slimming drugs had the same chance of contracting COVID-19, they were less likely to die from the disease. According to studies, mortality was 2.6% in people who received Semaglutide, while it was 3.1% in the placebo group.
Although women experienced fewer serious cardiovascular complications, the drug consistently reduced the risk of adverse events in both sexes.
Semaglutide improved heart failure symptoms and reduced inflammation, regardless of whether participants lost weight. Dr. Benjamin Scirica, lead author of one of the studies and professor of cardiovascular medicine at Harvard Medical School, believes that the results confirm that obesity and excess contribute to various diseases.
However, as he emphasized to the PA news agency, this risk can be significantly reduced with incretin-based therapies, such as Semaglutide.
This medicine is only available on prescription through the NHS and works by reducing the feeling of hunger. It is sold under the brand names Wegovy, used to treat obesity, and Ozempic, used to treat Type 2 Diabetes.
The drug is administered by injection, and its function is to mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which helps people feel fuller for longer and less hungry.
Experts emphasize that this is not a magic solution and cannot replace a balanced diet and regular physical activity. The drug must be used exclusively under medical supervision. As with other medicines, there are possible side effects, the most common being nausea, indigestion, bloating, and gas.
