Saxenda
Who Makes Saxenda? Introducing Novo Nordisk
Jun 9, 2025
A recent study examined the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on liver health and weight management, revealing that these medications help with weight loss while improving conditions like hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. This makes them a valuable treatment for obesity and metabolic disorders.
One such medication is Saxenda, developed by Novo Nordisk, a global leader in diabetes and obesity treatments. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Saxenda influences hunger signals and food intake, helping individuals manage their weight effectively.
In this article, we will explore Novo Nordisk’s role in developing Saxenda, how it works for weight management, and how it compares to other treatments on the market.
Key Takeaways
- Novo Nordisk is a global leader in treating chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, with a focus on metabolic health. The company operates in over 80 countries and has a long history of research and development.
- The company specializes in GLP-1 receptor agonists and peptide therapies that target obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- Saxenda, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is used for chronic weight management. It helps regulate appetite and is specifically approved for weight loss, unlike other GLP-1 treatments like Victoza and Ozempic.
- The SCALE trials demonstrated Saxenda’s effectiveness in promoting weight loss, particularly when combined with lifestyle changes. The trials also improved cardiometabolic risk factors, including blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Ongoing research, including the STEP program, continues to demonstrate Saxenda’s efficacy in weight loss and influences current treatment standards for obesity and diabetes.
- Approved by the FDA in 2014, Saxenda is available in global markets and is one of the few pharmacological treatments for long-term weight management.
- Saxenda is recommended for individuals with obesity or overweight and related health conditions. It’s a first-line treatment when lifestyle changes aren’t enough.
- Novo Nordisk provides starter kits, dosing guides, and behavioral support to help patients and healthcare providers use Saxenda effectively.
- Novo Nordisk’s focus on innovation drives the continuous development of therapies for metabolic diseases, benefiting patients with diabetes and obesity.
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Overview of Novo Nordisk’s Expertise
Novo Nordisk, founded in Denmark, has grown into a global leader in the treatment of chronic diseases, including diabetes, obesity, and rare endocrine disorders. The company’s focus on metabolic health has been its core strength for nearly a century, allowing it to shape the landscape of treatments in these areas.
Operating in over 80 countries, Novo Nordisk remains committed to research and development (R&D), with a focus on incretin-based therapies and peptide treatments that target the underlying mechanisms of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Their R&D strategy is reinforced by collaborations with universities and biotechnology firms worldwide, creating a robust innovation pipeline.
Built on decades of scientific rigor, particularly in hormone-based therapies such as insulin and GLP-1 receptor agonists, Novo Nordisk has established itself as a trusted name among both healthcare professionals and patients, constantly pushing boundaries in metabolic disease management.
Novo Nordisk Product Portfolio of GLP-1 Therapies
At the heart of Novo Nordisk’s portfolio are its GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic the action of the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone to regulate appetite, insulin secretion, and blood sugar levels. Here’s a closer look at their major GLP-1 products:
- Saxenda (liraglutide 3.0 mg): Approved for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents with obesity or overweight, particularly those with related health conditions. Administered once daily as part of a long-term lifestyle and weight management plan.
- Victoza (liraglutide 1.2–1.8 mg): A lower dose of liraglutide, used primarily for type 2 diabetes treatment and reducing cardiovascular risk. Administered daily, it may cause some weight loss, but it is not approved for weight management.
- Ozempic (semaglutide 0.5–2.0 mg): A once-weekly injection for adults with type 2 diabetes, designed to improve glycemic control and support weight loss.
- Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg): Another once-weekly GLP-1 therapy approved for chronic weight management, offering greater weight loss efficacy compared to Saxenda.
Each of these products serves a specific role in managing metabolic conditions, highlighting Novo Nordisk’s targeted approach to care.
Saxenda Clinical Trials and Research Initiatives
The development of Saxenda was heavily supported by clinical research, notably the SCALE (Satiety and Clinical Adiposity—Liraglutide Evidence) trials. These trials evaluated the safety and effectiveness of liraglutide 3.0 mg in helping individuals lose weight and maintain that loss over time.
The SCALE trials demonstrated that Saxenda resulted in significantly greater weight loss compared to a placebo, especially when combined with lifestyle interventions. Participants also experienced improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors, including blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
In parallel, Novo Nordisk conducted the LEADER trial for Victoza, which demonstrated significant cardiovascular risk reduction, and the STEP program for semaglutide, which revealed even more significant weight loss results. These findings have shaped the current treatment standards for diabetes and obesity.
Ongoing research includes the development of dual-action GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists, such as CagriSema, which aims to enhance metabolic benefits while minimizing side effects.
Saxenda Regulatory Approval and Market Reach
Saxenda received FDA approval in 2014 for chronic weight management, and since then, it has been authorized by health agencies across the European Union, Canada, Australia, and other global markets. It remains one of the few pharmacological options approved for long-term weight loss treatment.
When comparing Saxenda vs Victoza, it’s essential to note that while both contain liraglutide, Saxenda is specifically approved for weight management, while Victoza focuses on diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction.
Saxenda’s inclusion in clinical obesity treatment guidelines underscores its legitimacy as a first-line option when lifestyle changes alone are insufficient. These guidelines recommend Saxenda for adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or a BMI of 27 or more with at least one weight-related condition.
To support Saxenda’s market presence, Novo Nordisk offers:
- Starter kits for patients, with dosing guides and behavioral support.
- Educational resources for healthcare providers to guide treatment plans.
- User-friendly dosing pens ideal for use in home or telemedicine-based care.
This ecosystem of support ensures that patients and providers can use Saxenda effectively and safely.
Conclusion
Saxenda is a cornerstone of Novo Nordisk’s mission to improve metabolic health through science-based therapies. As the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for weight management, it reflects Novo Nordisk’s long-standing commitment to addressing obesity with clinically validated, sustainable treatments.
Backed by global research, comprehensive trials, and regulatory support, Saxenda remains a vital option for individuals seeking long-term weight management solutions. Novo Nordisk’s broader focus on innovation ensures that patients will continue to benefit from advanced treatments tailored to their needs in diabetes, obesity, and beyond.
FAQs
1. What does Saxenda do?
Healthcare providers prescribe Saxenda for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents with obesity or excess weight and related health conditions.
2. What are Saxenda’s administration guidelines?
Saxenda is a once-daily subcutaneous injection using a prefilled pen. Patients can inject it in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
3. How does Saxenda work in the body?
Saxenda mimics GLP-1, a hormone that helps regulate appetite. It promotes a feeling of fullness, helping reduce calorie intake.
4. Who should not use Saxenda?
People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 should avoid Saxenda.
5. What are the common side effects of Saxenda?
Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting are common. Most side effects improve over time with continued use.
6. How long can I stay on Saxenda?
Saxenda is designed for long-term use. However, practitioners may advise patients who don’t lose at least 4% of their body weight after 16 weeks to discontinue the treatment.
7. Can Saxenda be used with other weight loss medications?
No. Patients should not use Saxenda with other GLP-1 medications or weight loss drugs unless advised by a healthcare provider.
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References
Lee HA, Kim HY. Therapeutic mechanisms and clinical effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023;24(11):9324. doi:10.3390/ijms24119324
Mayo Clinic. 6 proven strategies for weight-loss success. Mayo Clinic. Published December 7, 2021. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss/art-20047752
