Semaglutide trial aims to reduce myocardial injury and complications in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

COVID-19 infection often leads to significant morbidity and mortality, with a notable burden on healthcare systems due to the need for intensive care. A critical aspect of severe COVID-19 is the potential for myocardial injury, characterized by elevated cardiac troponin levels, which is associated with worse outcomes. Current treatments primarily focus on antiviral and anti-inflammatory strategies, but specific interventions to mitigate direct cardiac damage in non-critically ill hospitalized patients are still lacking. GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide have demonstrated cardiovascular protective effects in other conditions, making them a promising candidate to address this unmet need by potentially reducing cardiac and systemic inflammation.

This prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-evaluation (PROBE) study will enroll hospitalized patients with symptomatic COVID-19 infection who are at enhanced risk but do not yet require critical care. Participants will be randomized to receive semaglutide 0.25 mg s.c. immediately, followed by 0.5 mg s.c. at Day 7, Day 14, and Day 21, or a control arm. Blood samples for cardiac troponin biomarkers and safety parameters, along with ECGs, will be drawn at Day 7±2 and Day 14±2. The primary outcome, assessed at Day 28, is a composite of death from any cause or mechanical ventilation.