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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Novo Nordisk's application to include cardiovascular benefits on the label of Wegovy, a weight-loss drug. This makes Wegovy the first weight-loss medication authorized to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart-related death in individuals at higher risk for these conditions. The label expansion could enhance insurance coverage for Wegovy, which costs over $1,300 per month.
The approval is based on a study showing a 20% lower risk of cardiac events in people taking Wegovy compared to a placebo. The drug is a sister to Ozempic, which is better known in the United States. They serve different purposes however, being used in separate patient populations.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy and Ozempic are both medications developed by Novo Nordisk. They utilize the active ingredient semaglutide, which belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs have primarily been associated with treating type 2 diabetes. However, Wegovy, in particular, is approved for weight management.
Wegovy is meant for people with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30. It can also be used for those with a BMI of at least 27 with one "weight-related" health condition. These can include high blood pressure or cholesterol. Ozempic is primarily approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. While it shares the same active ingredient as Wegovy, its focus is on managing blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
Future Availability
Novo Nordisk has acknowledged difficulties in meeting the high demand for Wegovy and other GLP-1 medicines. Despite these challenges, the company has plans to gradually increase the supply over the course of the year. Wegovy's shortage is ongoing, and Novo Nordisk plans to increase supply gradually. The expanded approval may lead to improved insurance coverage for the drug. This is especially helpful for those at highest risk of obesity-related cardiovascular issues.
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