Liraglutide's impact on weight and caloric intake after sleeve gastrectomy investigated in Phase 3 trial

Obesity is a global health crisis, often managed through lifestyle changes, pharmacotherapy, or bariatric surgery. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is a common bariatric procedure leading to significant weight loss and metabolic improvements, but weight regain can occur. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists, like Liraglutide, are established pharmacotherapies for weight management, enhancing satiety and reducing food intake. This study explores if adding a GLP-1R agonist post-SG can further optimize weight outcomes and caloric control, addressing potential plateaus or insufficient weight loss after surgery.

This Phase 3, randomized, triple-blind clinical trial enrolled 46 subjects with obesity who had undergone sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Participants were randomized 1:1 at 3 months post-surgery to receive either Saxenda (Liraglutide) or placebo. The intervention involved starting with Liraglutide 0.6mg SQ daily, with weekly titration by 0.6mg increments until a maintenance dose of 3mg/daily was reached. Subjects remained on the study drug for 33 months, with follow-up visits scheduled at months 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 post-surgery. The primary objective was to assess the effect on weight and caloric intake.

The trial, NCT03115424, has been completed as of May 2024. However, the results detailing the effects of Liraglutide on weight and caloric intake in subjects post-sleeve gastrectomy have not yet been published. Therefore, specific numerical findings, statistical significances, or primary endpoint achievements cannot be reported at this time.