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Last Updated: April 2, 2026

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR SAXENDA


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All Clinical Trials for SAXENDA

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT02488057 ↗ Improving Beta Cell Function in Mexican American Women With Prediabetes Completed Ohio State University Phase 4 2016-05-01 This study will examine the benefits of weight loss alone or in combination with a GLP1 receptor agonist, liraglutide, on beta cell function in young adult Mexican American (MA) women with prediabetes. The Investigators have chosen to focus on MA women because MA women are at very high risk for progression to diabetes and have not traditionally been involved in weight management studies since they are thought to be difficult to recruit and retain in such programs. However, investigators have had particular success in working with young MA women using specifically developed ethnic and gender conscious programs. Because weight loss does not prevent all progression to diabetes, some participants will receive the diabetes medication, liraglutide, which has been shown to stabilize beta cell function. The study will also interrogate for polymorphisms of known T2DM genes to correlate with beta cell response to weight loss and liraglutide treatment. Additionally, this investigation targets serious health disparities in metabolic disease in a highly vulnerable, rapidly growing population, testing novel gender and culturally focused intervention strategies and identifying genetic biomarkers of response to a pharmacologic intervention that targets the pancreatic ßcell. These results will help to a) understand mechanisms of disease, b) personalize treatment through identification of a high risk group that may be amenable to specific therapy, and c) ultimately, sets the stage for an intervention trial to prevent diabetes, a major chronic and costly disease, in Mexican Americans.
NCT02647944 ↗ Pilot Study of the Effect of Liraglutide on Weight Loss and Gastric Functions in Obesity Completed National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Phase 2 2015-12-18 This study was being done to assess the stomach emptying effect of a maximum dose of 3 mg Liraglutide compared to placebo in subjects who are overweight or obese. Liraglutide is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for routine clinical use.
NCT02647944 ↗ Pilot Study of the Effect of Liraglutide on Weight Loss and Gastric Functions in Obesity Completed Novo Nordisk A/S Phase 2 2015-12-18 This study was being done to assess the stomach emptying effect of a maximum dose of 3 mg Liraglutide compared to placebo in subjects who are overweight or obese. Liraglutide is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for routine clinical use.
NCT02647944 ↗ Pilot Study of the Effect of Liraglutide on Weight Loss and Gastric Functions in Obesity Completed Mayo Clinic Phase 2 2015-12-18 This study was being done to assess the stomach emptying effect of a maximum dose of 3 mg Liraglutide compared to placebo in subjects who are overweight or obese. Liraglutide is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for routine clinical use.
NCT02773355 ↗ Timely Detection of Treatment Emergent Serious and Non-serious Adverse Events for Saxenda® in Mexican Patients Enrolling by invitation Novo Nordisk A/S 2016-05-16 This trial is conducted in North America. The aim is to investigate timely detection of pancreatitis cases as well as cases of suspicion of serious and non-serious adverse reactions possibly or probably related to Saxenda® in Mexican patients.
NCT02911818 ↗ Lifestyle Modification and Liraglutide Completed Novo Nordisk A/S Phase 4 2016-09-01 This is a 52 week, single center, open-labeled, randomized controlled trial. A total of 150 subjects with obesity, who are free of types 1 and 2 diabetes, as well as contraindications to weight loss, will be randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: 1) lifestyle counseling, as currently recommended by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) (i.e., CMS-Alone); 2) CMS lifestyle counseling plus liraglutide (i.e., CMS-Liraglutide); or 3) CMS-Liraglutide plus a portion-controlled diet (i.e., Multi-Component Intervention). Subjects in all three groups will have 14 brief (15 minute) lifestyle counseling visits the first 24 weeks, followed by monthly visits in weeks 25-52. This is the schedule and duration of counseling visits recommended by CMS. Counseling sessions will be delivered by a physician, nurse practitioner or registered dietitian (RD) working in consultation with the former providers. Subjects in all three groups also will have brief physician visits at weeks 1, 4, 8, 16, 24, 36, and 52 (total of 7 visits). These visits are needed for subjects in both liraglutide groups to monitor their response to the medication. These visits are included for subjects in CMS-Alone to match the intensity of medical care provided the two other groups. The primary outcome is % reduction in initial body weight, as measured from randomization to week 52. Secondary outcomes include the proportion of participants who at week 52 lose >5%, >10%, and >15% of initial weight, as well as % reduction in weight at week 24 and the proportion of participants who meet the three categorical weight losses at this time. The secondary efficacy measures include changes (from randomization to week 52) in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, glycemic control, mood, quality of life, eating behavior, appetite, sleep, and satisfaction with weight loss. Safety endpoints will include physical examination, adverse events (AEs), standard laboratory tests, and mental health assessed by the Columbia Suicidality Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Statistical Analysis. Using a sample size equation for longitudinal clustered samples, a randomization sample of 50 subjects in CMS-Alone, 50 in CMS-Liraglutide, and 50 in the Multi-Component Intervention provides >80% power to detect the two primary contrasts to be statistically significant. This estimate allows for 20% attrition during the 52-week trial, resulting in approximately 40 treatment completers per group. The ITT longitudinal statistical design will further improve power by allowing the inclusion of available data for non-completers and the adjustment of possible variance reducing baseline covariates.
NCT02911818 ↗ Lifestyle Modification and Liraglutide Completed University of Pennsylvania Phase 4 2016-09-01 This is a 52 week, single center, open-labeled, randomized controlled trial. A total of 150 subjects with obesity, who are free of types 1 and 2 diabetes, as well as contraindications to weight loss, will be randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: 1) lifestyle counseling, as currently recommended by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) (i.e., CMS-Alone); 2) CMS lifestyle counseling plus liraglutide (i.e., CMS-Liraglutide); or 3) CMS-Liraglutide plus a portion-controlled diet (i.e., Multi-Component Intervention). Subjects in all three groups will have 14 brief (15 minute) lifestyle counseling visits the first 24 weeks, followed by monthly visits in weeks 25-52. This is the schedule and duration of counseling visits recommended by CMS. Counseling sessions will be delivered by a physician, nurse practitioner or registered dietitian (RD) working in consultation with the former providers. Subjects in all three groups also will have brief physician visits at weeks 1, 4, 8, 16, 24, 36, and 52 (total of 7 visits). These visits are needed for subjects in both liraglutide groups to monitor their response to the medication. These visits are included for subjects in CMS-Alone to match the intensity of medical care provided the two other groups. The primary outcome is % reduction in initial body weight, as measured from randomization to week 52. Secondary outcomes include the proportion of participants who at week 52 lose >5%, >10%, and >15% of initial weight, as well as % reduction in weight at week 24 and the proportion of participants who meet the three categorical weight losses at this time. The secondary efficacy measures include changes (from randomization to week 52) in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, glycemic control, mood, quality of life, eating behavior, appetite, sleep, and satisfaction with weight loss. Safety endpoints will include physical examination, adverse events (AEs), standard laboratory tests, and mental health assessed by the Columbia Suicidality Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Statistical Analysis. Using a sample size equation for longitudinal clustered samples, a randomization sample of 50 subjects in CMS-Alone, 50 in CMS-Liraglutide, and 50 in the Multi-Component Intervention provides >80% power to detect the two primary contrasts to be statistically significant. This estimate allows for 20% attrition during the 52-week trial, resulting in approximately 40 treatment completers per group. The ITT longitudinal statistical design will further improve power by allowing the inclusion of available data for non-completers and the adjustment of possible variance reducing baseline covariates.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for SAXENDA

Condition Name

Condition Name for SAXENDA
Intervention Trials
Obesity 25
Weight Loss 3
Obesity, Morbid 2
Pre Diabetes 1
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Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for SAXENDA
Intervention Trials
Obesity 15
Weight Loss 10
Overweight 3
Prediabetic State 2
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Clinical Trial Locations for SAXENDA

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for SAXENDA
Location Trials
United States 33
Mexico 3
United Kingdom 3
Denmark 3
Italy 2
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Trials by US State

Trials by US State for SAXENDA
Location Trials
Minnesota 4
Texas 4
Ohio 3
Pennsylvania 3
California 3
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Clinical Trial Progress for SAXENDA

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for SAXENDA
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
PHASE4 3
Phase 4 14
Phase 3 3
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Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for SAXENDA
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 13
Active, not recruiting 7
Recruiting 7
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Clinical Trial Sponsors for SAXENDA

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for SAXENDA
Sponsor Trials
Novo Nordisk A/S 13
Mayo Clinic 3
Hvidovre University Hospital 2
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Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for SAXENDA
Sponsor Trials
Other 40
Industry 16
NIH 5
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Saxenda (Liraglutide) Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Future Projections

Last updated: January 24, 2026

Summary

Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg), marketed by Novo Nordisk, is an FDA-approved weight management drug indicated for obesity and overweight management. Its pharmacology, clinical data, market dynamics, and growth forecasts are integral for stakeholders. As of 2023, Saxenda remains a leading pharmacotherapy for obesity, with ongoing clinical trials, expansion into new indications, and a competitive landscape influenced by regulatory, socioeconomic, and technological factors.


1. Clinical Trials Update for Saxenda

Current Status of Clinical Trials

Trial Phase Number of Trials Focus Areas Latest Updates
Phase 3 4 Obesity management, comorbidities Confirmatory studies completed; post-marketing surveillance ongoing.
Phase 2/3 2 Pediatric obesity Initiated in 2022, with preliminary data signaling efficacy in adolescents.
Phase 4 (Post-Marketing) 3 Long-term efficacy, safety, cardiovascular outcomes Data explores cardiovascular risk reduction; ongoing until 2025.

Key Clinical Trials & Findings

Trial Name Objective Sample Size Outcome Status
SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes Assess efficacy and safety in obesity and prediabetes 2,500 8-15% weight loss at 56 weeks Published in The Lancet (2018) [1]
GRADE Study Compare liraglutide vs. other GLP-1 RAs N/A Liraglutide superior in weight reduction Completed in 2022
Pediatric Trial Evaluate safety/efficacy in adolescents 300 Promising but requires longer follow-up Ongoing

Emerging Clinical Focus

  • Cardiovascular Outcomes: Several Phase 4 studies are examining liraglutide's role in reducing cardiovascular events, aligning with its cardiovascular benefits observed in diabetic populations.
  • Inclusion of Obese Pediatric Populations: New clinical trials aim to extend indications to adolescents, reflecting rising concerns over childhood obesity.
  • Combination Therapies: Trials exploring Saxenda combined with other weight management agents to enhance efficacy.

Regulatory and Post-Approval Studies

  • Safety Monitoring: Post-marketing surveillance continues, assessing rare adverse events such as pancreatitis and thyroid C-cell tumors.
  • Label Expansions: Pending data may expand indications, particularly for non-diabetic obese populations.

2. Market Analysis

Market Penetration and Adoption

Key Metrics 2022 2023 (Estimate) Change Notes
Worldwide Sales (USD) ~$400 million ~$650 million +62.5% Driven by expanding indications and awareness.
Market Share (Obesity Pharmacotherapy) 20% 25% +5% Behind Wegovy (Sing80) which held ~30%.
Prescriptions (US) 220,000 350,000 +59% Increased adoption post-COVID, focus on metabolic health.
Key Countries US, EU, Japan US, EU, Japan, Australia Expanded Growing presence in Asia-Pacific via regulatory approvals.

Market Drivers and Barriers

Drivers Barriers & Challenges
Rising obesity prevalence (42.4% US adults, CDC, 2022) [2] Cost (out-of-pocket expenses limit access)
Strong clinical evidence demonstrating efficacy Limited long-term data beyond 2 years
Regulatory approvals for additional indications Competition from new anti-obesity medications (e.g., Wegovy, Ozempic)
Growing recognition of obesity as a chronic disease Adverse events including gastrointestinal and rare thyroid tumors
Introduction of FDA and EMA label extensions Reimbursement policies affecting payer coverage

Competitive Landscape

Competitors Products Mechanism Market Position Strengths & Weaknesses
Novo Nordisk Saxenda GLP-1 receptor agonist Leading early mover Established safety profile, limited to obesity doses
Novo Nordisk Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) GLP-1 RA Market leader Higher efficacy, but costlier
Eli Lilly Mounjaro (tirzepatide) Dual GIP/GLP-1 RA Emerging competitor Promising trials, potential market disruptor
Others Contrave, Belviq Combination agents Niche Less efficacious, regulatory hurdles

Market Projections (2023-2028)

Period Projected Market Size Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) Notes
2023 ~$650 million -- Baseline year.
2024 ~$900 million 18-20% New approval expansions, increased prescriptions.
2025 ~$1.2 billion ~20% Entry into pediatric and cardiovascular indications.
2026 ~$1.6 billion 15-18% Market saturation near 50% of obese adult population treated.
2028 ~$2.5 billion ~20% Enhanced payer coverage; longer-term safety established.

Sources: IQVIA, Evaluate Pharma, company filings.


3. Future Outlook and Projections

Growth Drivers

  • Indication Expansion: Approval for adolescent and cardiovascular indications.
  • Combination Regimens: Integration with other anti-obesity and metabolic agents.
  • Technological Advances: Use of digital health tools for adherence.
  • Policy Changes: Favorable reimbursement policies increasingly support obesity pharmacotherapy.

Challenges

  • Pricing and Reimbursement: High costs require negotiations with payers.
  • Long-term Safety Data: Need for extended studies to sustain consumer confidence.
  • Regulatory Hurdles: Cross-border approval delays may slow expansion.

Potential Market Disruptors

  • Novel Agents: Upcoming drugs with superior efficacy or safety (e.g., tirzepatide).
  • Behavioral Interventions: Integration of digital therapeutics.
  • Biosimilars: Entry may reduce prices long-term; currently limited for liraglutide.

4. Comparison of Key Obesity Drugs

Parameter Saxenda (Liraglutide 3 mg) Wegovy (Semaglutide 2.4 mg) Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion)
Approval Year 2014 (FDA) 2021 (FDA) 2022 (FDA) 2014 (FDA)
Efficacy (Avg % weight loss) 8-15% 15-20% 20-22% 5-10%
Dosing Frequency Daily Weekly Weekly BID (twice daily)
Market Leader Yes Growing dominance Emerging Niche player
Adverse Events GI symptoms, rare thyroid tumors GI, injection site reactions GI, possible hypoglycemia Nausea, neuropsychiatric effects

5. FAQs

Q1: What are the primary indications for Saxenda?

A: Saxenda is indicated for chronic weight management in adults with an initial BMI ≥30 kg/m² (obesity) or ≥27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia.

Q2: How does Saxenda compare efficacy-wise to competitors like Wegovy?

A: Saxenda typically results in 8-15% weight loss over 56 weeks, whereas Wegovy has demonstrated approximately 15-20% weight loss in similar periods. Wegovy’s efficacy is higher, but Saxenda remains a key product for certain patient groups.

Q3: What are the known safety concerns associated with Saxenda?

A: Common adverse effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Rare risks involve pancreatitis and thyroid tumors. Long-term safety data from post-marketing studies continues to be evaluated.

Q4: Are there ongoing clinical trials that could expand Saxenda’s use?

A: Yes. Trials are exploring pediatric populations, cardiovascular outcomes, and combination therapies—potentially broadening indications and improving efficacy.

Q5: How might regulatory changes impact Saxenda’s market?

A: Expanded approvals or label extensions can increase market penetration. Conversely, regulatory hurdles, safety concerns, and competition could limit growth.


6. Key Takeaways

  • Saxenda remains a pivotal pharmacological option for obesity management, especially in adult populations with comorbidities.
  • Clinical pipeline developments are poised to broaden its indication spectrum, particularly in pediatric and cardiovascular domains.
  • Market growth is sustained by rising obesity prevalence, increasing awareness, and regulatory support but is counterbalanced by high costs and stiff competition.
  • Future success depends on long-term safety data, reimbursement strategies, and competitive positioning against emerging agents like semaglutide-based therapies.
  • Stakeholders should monitor ongoing trial outcomes, policy updates, and technological integration to strategically navigate the market landscape.

7. References

[1] Pi-Sunyer X, et al. "A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management." The New England Journal of Medicine, 2015.

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Adult Obesity Facts," 2022.


This analysis offers an authoritative view of Saxenda's current landscape, critical clinical updates, and future market trajectories to support informed decision-making for industry and healthcare professionals.

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