Novo Nordisk is conducting a large-scale clinical trial for Alzheimer’s disease, an area of research fraught with challenges. The Phase 3 trial is underway in several countries, including South Korea, with results expected next year, Sasha Semienchuk, general manager of Novo Nordisk Korea, said during a Nov. 14 interview with ChosunBiz at the company’s headquarters in Seoul’s Songpa District.
“At Novo Nordisk, we have conducted over 100 studies on GLP-1 receptor agonists over the past 30 years, and we are now exploring their potential for treating Alzheimer’s and other brain disorders,” Semienchuk said.
The company’s obesity treatment, Wegovy, mimics the GLP-1 hormone to induce satiety, suppress appetite, and promote weight loss. First launched in the U.S. in June 2021, Wegovy has since expanded to European markets and debuted in South Korea on Oct. 15.
“Wegovy’s clinical trial for Alzheimer’s, along with trials for diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, are all being conducted in South Korea, which we are very proud of,” Semienchuk said. He noted that the number of Korean institutions participating in clinical trials for Novo Nordisk products has increased fivefold over the past five years. On Nov. 11, the company signed an agreement with Severance Hospital for clinical research and is collaborating with other major Seoul hospitals known as the “Big 5.”
Novo Nordisk has focused on GLP-1 receptor agonists for decades, conducting over 100 clinical trials involving compounds like semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy. Originally developed as the diabetes treatment Ozempic, semaglutide’s weight-loss effects led to its adaptation as Wegovy. Studies have since suggested its potential in treating cardiovascular diseases, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
A study published last month in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia by researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that semaglutide reduced Alzheimer’s risk in Type 2 diabetes patients by 40% to 70%, outperforming seven other GLP-1 receptor agonists. Based on these findings, Novo Nordisk has initiated clinical trials to develop Wegovy as a treatment for Alzheimer’s.
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s clinical trials database, Novo Nordisk is conducting Phase 3 trials in more than 20 countries, including the U.S., Japan, and South Korea. The trials target patients with mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer’s disease. In South Korea, trials are underway at 11 sites, including Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, and Asan Medical Center, with patient recruitment already completed.
Wegovy has gained widespread attention, fueled in part by endorsements from high-profile users like Elon Musk in the U.S. In South Korea, demand surged even before its official launch last month, with clinics and pharmacies overwhelmed with preorders. Novo Nordisk manages Wegovy’s production, while Zuellig Pharma Korea oversees local distribution.
Although early reports suggested potential supply shortages, Semienchuk dismissed such concerns. “We waited until we could ensure stable and continuous supply before introducing Wegovy to the market,” he said. While acknowledging minor delays during the initial registration and delivery processes, he attributed these to typical challenges faced during new product launches. “We are satisfied with the current state of South Korea’s distribution and supply network,” he added.
