Wegovy, Ozempic Could Reduce Deaths Resulting from Colon Cancer

A study that was recently published by a team of UC San Diego researchers has found that colon cancer patients who were also taking GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, had a 50% lower mortality rate when compared to colon cancer patients that didn’t use these medications. 

While these findings don’t suggest a causative effect, the researchers posit that the metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects of the GLP-1 drugs could be playing a role in reducing mortality among cancer patients. 

For their study, the team analyzed the medical records of at least 6,800 patients that had been diagnosed with colon cancer in the different health facilities of the University of California. The analysis revealed that patients using the GLP-1 medications had a 50% less chance of dying within 5 years after diagnosis when compared to those that weren’t taking the medications. To be exact, mortality within 5 years was 15.5% among GLP-1 medication users while among non-users it was 37.1%. 

This finding suggests that these drugs, which have been sensational in their ability to address weight management and diabetes, could have yet another important role they can play. 

The researchers, led by Associate Professor Raphael Cuomo, noted that the GLP-1 drugs were particularly beneficial to colon cancer patients that were obese (with a BMI exceeding 35). This suggests that the GLP-1 medications may be offsetting a significant degree of metabolic stress and inflammation, factors that complicate cancer treatment. 

Laboratory tests have also found that GLP-1 medications could increase cancer cell apoptosis, inhibit tumor cell growth, and make the microenvironment around tumors unsupportive for cancer’s progression. 

Doctor Cuomo highlighted the fact that their findings are no more than observational, so people should not be quick to draw any causative conclusions. He emphasized that their results create an urgent need for clinical trials to be conducted with a view to establishing the exact role that GLP-1 medications play or don’t play in prolonging the survival of cancer patients, especially those having cancers linked to obesity. 

This study opens a strong possibility that existing drugs that have also obtained regulatory approval for certain clinical indications could have other therapeutic roles that they can play. As many companies like CNS Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: CNSP) focus on developing new treatments against certain cancers of the brain, other teams could intensify the study of how drugs for unrelated conditions can help in the fight against cancer. 

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to CNS Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: CNSP) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/CNSP 

About BioMedWire

BioMedWire (“BMW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on the latest developments in the Biotechnology (BioTech), Biomedical Sciences (BioMed) and Life Sciences sectors. It is one of 70+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, BMW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, BMW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness.

BMW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.

To receive SMS alerts from BioMedWire, “Biotech” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.BioMedWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the BioMedWire website applicable to all content provided by BMW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.BioMedWire.com/Disclaimer

BioMedWire
San Francisco, CA
www.BioMedWire.com
415.949.5050 Office
Editor@BioMedWire.com

BioMedWire is powered by IBN