Success for Belfast Diabetes Research Team on Novo Nordisk SOUL Trial

June 21, 2024

Pictured (L-R) Clinical research nurse Eileen, Principal Investigator Dr Hamish Courtney, Mr Bernard Sheridan, Mr Gerard Mc Clure, Sub Investigator Dr Ian Wallace, Principal Investigator Dr Philip Johnston and Clinical research nurse Charlotte.

SOUL is a dedicated diabetes cardiovascular outcomes trial with the aim of confirming semaglutide’s cardiovascular risk reduction and expand the scientific evidence base about the cardiovascular benefits of the molecule. At the same time, SOUL will provide valuable insight on semaglutide’s effect in chronic kidney disease as well as the effect in peripheral artery disease and on mild cognitive impairment.

Oral semaglutide is the only GLP-1 RA that can be administered as a tablet. Oral semaglutide delivers efficacy based on the unique composition of the semaglutide molecule allowing for significant blood glucose lowering combined with weight loss and low risk of hypoglycaemia. Data suggest that GLP-1 reduces cardiovascular risk.

SOUL enrolled more than 9,651 patients from more than 450 sites, with 1,800 doctors and nurses in 33 countries and areas involved in this unique trial community bringing cardiology, endocrinology, and primary care together to make SOUL happen.

The NI Clinical Research Network Diabetes Research Team evaluated the hypothesis that oral semaglutide lowers the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes at high risk for cardiovascular disease.  Primary objectives were to demonstrate that oral semaglutide lowers the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared to placebo, both added to standard of care in patients with type 2 diabetes and at high risk of cardiovascular events.

The key secondary objective was to compare the effects of oral semaglutide versus placebo, both added to standard of care in patients with type 2 diabetes and at high risk of cardiovascular events with regards to: Chronic kidney disease, Cardiovascular events, Peripheral artery disease, Glycaemic control and body weight, Safety.

Congratulations to Belfast Trust patients Mr. Bernard Sheridan and Mr. Gerard Mc Clure for their commitment and their participation in this Clinical Research Trial. The research team said,

 “We are delighted to have contributed to this global study with Novo Nordisk.  We look forward to the release of study results, and the positive impact this will have on our local population”.

Do you have Type2 Diabetes? There may be a clinical research trial for you.

Get in touch: NICRNGeneralQuery@nicrn.hscni.net 

Find out more about Novo Nordisk Type 2 Diabetes Research here: https://www.novonordisk.com/disease-areas/type-2-diabetes.html