Weight-loss drug trial in children under 12 produces major result
As GLP-1 drugs continue to take the weight loss industry by storm, new products are being introduced to the market including weight loss pills and even a trial for children, known as STEP Young.
It seems the interest in weight loss medication shows no signs of slowing down after a major manufacturer announced new trials that have the potential to widen their market even further.
As reported by Reuters, Novo Nordisk, which manufactures several well-known GLP-1 medications including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Saxenda, is now trialing treatment for children aged between six and 12.
The 68-week trial has seen incredible results with over 40% of the kids treated with semaglutide, which was administered through a weekly injection, no longer being classed as obese at the end of it.
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During the trial, patients also maintained a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Martin Holst Lange, who is the Chief Scientific Officer at Novo Nordisk, stated: “We are encouraged by the positive STEP Young results and semaglutide’s potential to help children living with obesity who need medical treatment, alongside lifestyle changes, to better manage their obesity.”
So, will weight loss treatment soon be made publicly available to children? That could be the case in the near future as all signs so far are positive, with the ‘overall safety and tolerability’ of the drug being consistent with adult trials.
When will the drug be made available to children?
Just because the trial has gone well doesn’t mean it’ll automatically join the market as it will be subject to regulatory approval first.
Wegovy is already authorized for certain older adolescents in some markets, including in the US, but currently anyone under the age of 12 is not covered.
Any new products aimed at younger children will need to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in order to be made publicly available.
The FDA has stated that pediatric studies for younger children are still being completed so it could be some time before there is a decision made.
Weight loss pills join the market
Earlier this year, Wegovy introduced a new method of taking the weight loss medication, which had previously only been available as a weekly injection, by bringing in a daily pill.
This tablet was approved by the FDA in December 2025 before becoming available nationally in the US in January 2026.
The UK followed suit shortly after, making it available to their market in July of this year following European approval.