UK Approves Novo Nordisk's Wegovy for Reducing Heart Risks

Novo Nordisk's Wegovy has received approval in the UK for use in reducing heart risks. This approval marks a significant advancement in cardiovascular health, offering a new treatment option for managing and lowering heart-related risks. Wegovy, primarily known for weight management, now extends its benefits to heart health, providing a comprehensive approach to treating patients with cardiovascular concerns. This development highlights the ongoing innovation in medical treatments aimed at improving overall health outcomes.

Novo Nordisk's (NOVOb.CO) weight-loss drug Wegovy has received approval from the UK regulator for its use in reducing the risk of serious heart problems or strokes in overweight and obese adults, as announced by the agency on Tuesday. This approval by the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) follows a similar approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in March. According to the MHRA, Wegovy is now the first GLP-1 weight-loss drug approved for preventing cardiovascular events in people with obesity.

"This treatment option that prevents heart disease and strokes is an important step forward in addressing the serious health consequences of obesity," said Shirley Hopper, MHRA's deputy director of innovative medicines. The British Heart Foundation reports that over 7.6 million people in the UK are living with cardiovascular diseases, and in England, approximately one in six deaths due to heart and circulatory disease are linked to a high body-mass index.

"Weight loss drugs can be a key part of our strategy to combat obesity and manage associated risks. However, with global supply issues affecting these drugs, it is crucial that treatments are used correctly and in line with licensing to ensure patients with type 2 diabetes receive the medicines they need," said Stephen Powis, NHS National Medical Director. The agency's approval was based on a trial that demonstrated Wegovy reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke by 20% compared to a placebo.

The study included more than 17,600 participants who were overweight or obese and were administered either a once-weekly dose of the drug or a placebo for an average of 33 months.

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Source: Reuters‍