Ozempic, the diabetes drug that reduces the risk of dementia and nicotine use
Ozempic is the Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster drug. In addition to breaking new ground in diabetes treatment, it reduces risk of dementia and nicotine use
Pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk recently launched a new blockbuster diabetes drug, Ozempic. According to research, published last week from the University of Oxford, the new drug may have much more to offer beyond regulating blood sugar and promoting weight loss. In fact, studies have shown that it may prove effective in reducing the risk of dementia and other mental problems such as nicotine addiction.
Surprising research results
The Oxford University-led study of more than 100,000 U.S. diabetes patients compared the effect of Ozempic with three other diabetes drugs-Januvia, Glucotrol and Jardiance. The results showed that:
- Patients taking Ozempic had a 48% lower risk of developing dementia than those taking Januvia. The risk reduction was 37 percent compared to Glucotrol and 9 percent compared to Jardiance.
- There was also an 18% decrease in nicotine dependence in patients taking Ozempic compared with Januvia. The reduction was 28% compared with Glucotrol and 23% compared with Jardiance.
“These results suggest that Ozempic use may extend beyond diabetes management, potentially offering unexpected benefits in the treatment and prevention of cognitive decline and substance abuse,” said Dr. Riccardo De Giorgi, clinical professor at the University of Oxford and lead author of the study.
An observational analysis: confirmation of controlled studies is needed
It is important to note, however, that the analysis conducted is purely observational in nature. Consequentlyit is necessary to confirm the results through randomized controlled trials. As stated by Dr. Max Taquet, another Oxford clinical professor and senior author of the study, “The results need to be replicated in a controlled trial that assigns patients to randomly take Ozempic and the other drugs.”
Promising future for health
Despite the need for further research, the results of this study open up an interesting view of Ozempic’s potential to treat several conditions besides diabetes.
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