Endocrinology Month in Review: November 2024

As the year begins to wind down, the field of endocrinology continues to provide a steady stream of impactful updates, with November delivering significant advancements in obesity and diabetes management. This month in review captures the most popular headlines and key clinical updates that resonated with healthcare professionals.

Among the highlights are phase 2 trial results for MariTide, a bispecific GLP-1 and GIPR agonist showing unprecedented weight loss, a study suggesting over half of US adults qualify for semaglutide treatment, and BPROAD trial findings emphasizing the cardiovascular benefits of intensive blood pressure control in type 2 diabetes. Additional news includes an FDA advisory committee vote against sotagliflozin in type 1 diabetes and new data on semaglutide’s ability to reduce knee osteoarthritis pain in patients with obesity. Lastly, November brought 5 new episodes of Diabetes Dialogue, offering expert insights into technology, trial data, and real-world perspectives in diabetes care.

Top 5 Most Popular Headlines in Endocrinology

Obesity Drug MariTide Achieves Up to 20% Weight Loss in Phase 2 Trial

On November 26, 2024, Amgen announced positive 52-week phase 2 results for maridebart cafraglutide (MariTide), a bispecific GLP-1 receptor agonist and GIPR antagonist under investigation for obesity and overweight. MariTide achieved up to 20% average weight loss in individuals without type 2 diabetes and 17% in those with type 2 diabetes, with no weight loss plateau observed.

Amgen plans to advance MariTide to the MARITIME phase 3 program, aiming to address obesity and related conditions with its differentiated profile of progressive weight loss and infrequent dosing. Ongoing phase 2 evaluations will assess weight maintenance and loss durability post-treatment.

More than 50% of US Adults Considered Eligible for Semaglutide with Current Labeling

A new study suggests nearly 140 million, or half of all US adults, could be considered candidates for semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) based on pivotal trials used to support the agent's current labeling.

Leveraging NHANES data, a team of investigators, which included representatives from Harvard, Northwestern, and other leading institutions, concluded 35.0 million adults qualified for use based on its diabetes indication, 129.2 million were eligible based on its weight management indication, and 8.9 million were considered eligible based on its indication for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Intensive Blood Pressure Regimen Lowers CVD Risk in People with T2D

BPROAD examined the effects of 120 mmHg vs 140 mmHg blood pressure goals among a cohort of adults 50 years of age or older with type 2 diabetes, elevated systolic blood pressure, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease at 145 clinical sites across China. With a follow-up period lasting up to 5 years, the trial’s primary outcome was a composite of nonfatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, treatment or hospitalization for heart failure, or death from cardiovascular causes.

Results suggested the mean SBP levels in participants at the 4-year visit were 120.6 mmHg in the intensive treatment group and 132.1 mmHg in the standard treatment group. Those receiving the intensive treatment regimen experienced a 21% lower relative risk of major cardiovascular events during the follow-up period, compared with those on standard treatment (HR 0.79; 95% Cl, 0.69 to 0.90; P <.001).

FDA Committee Casts Negative Vote on Sotagliflozin in Type 1 Diabetes

On October 31, 2024, the FDA’s Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee voted 11 to 3 against the benefit-risk profile of sotagliflozin (Zynquista) for adults with type 1 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The decision raises doubt about its approval ahead of the FDA’s Prescription Drug User Fee Act target action date of December 20, 2024.

Supporters highlighted the unmet need for adjunct therapies in type 1 diabetes, citing sotagliflozin’s potential to improve glycemic control and mitigate renal and cardiovascular risks. However, concerns about diabetic ketoacidosis risks were central to the committee’s decision. In a release, Lexicon Pharmaceuticals pointed to ongoing innovation, including continuous ketone monitoring, as a strategy to address safety concerns.

Semaglutide Reduces Knee Osteoarthritis Pain in People with Obesity

Semaglutide 2.4 mg significantly reduced body weight and knee osteoarthritis pain in obese individuals compared to placebo in the STEP 9 trial. The 68-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled STEP 9 trial enrolled a total of 407 participants (81.6% women) with a mean age of 56 years, a mean BMI of 40.3, and a mean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score of 70.9.

Results suggested the mean change in body weight from baseline to week 68 was −13.7% with semaglutide (95% CI, -12.3 to -8.6) compared with −3.2% with placebo (P <.001). At the same time point, the mean change in WOMAC pain score at week 68 was −41.7 points with semaglutide (95% CI, -20.0 to -8.3) compared with −27.5 points with placebo (P <.001), and the improvement in 36-Item Short Form Survey physical-function score was 12.0 points with semaglutide (95% CI, 3.1-8.0) compared with 6.5 points with placebo (P <.001).

Highlighting Diabetes Dialogue

During November 2025, HCPLive Endocrinology launched 5 new episodes of our flagship podcast, Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives. Sticking true to the program’s name, these episodes highlighted clinically relevant updates in diabetes technology, insight into recent trial data on therapeutics, and real-world perspective on data presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2024.

Diabetes Tech Updates in October 2024

Released on November 11, this episode spotlights news in diabetes technology from the latter half of October 2024, with hosts breaking down updates from multiple companies related to continuous glucose monitoring and insulin delivery, including Abbott, Beta Bionics, Insulet Corporation, and Tidepool

Tidepool Updates, with Brandon Arbiter

In this episode, hosts are given a deep dive into the latest from Tidepool with Brandon Arbiter, vice president of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Tidepool.

Latest Updates on Semaglutide

Released on November 14 in recognition of World Diabetes Day, this episode tackles a flurry of recent updates related to semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy/Rybelsus), including the SOUL trial, Obesity Week data, the SMART trial, and new insights from SELECT.

Tirzepatide’s Long-Term Obesity Data

Our second World Diabetes Day episode, the episode explores explore the recent updates surrounding GLP-1 receptor agonists, particularly focusing on long-term tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) data and the current status of GLP-1 shortages.

News and Updates in Diabetes at AHA 2024 (Featured Below)

Released on November 21, take a deep dive into 3 pieces of news related to diabetes management and incretin therapies, including the BPROAD trial, tirzepatide in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction with obesity, and an NHANES analysis suggesting more than 50% of US adults qualify for semaglutide.

Relevant disclosures for Isaacs include Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Abbott Diabetes Care, Dexcom, Medtronic, and others. Relevant disclosures for Bellini include Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Provention Bio, and others.