FDA Approves Wegovy To Reduce Heart Disease Risks in Overweight Adults
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The FDA has approved Wegovy, a weight loss drug, to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events in overweight or obese adults. This makes it the first GLP-1 class drug to be approved by the FDA for heart health.
Manufactured by Novo Nordisk and originally FDA-approved for weight loss in 2021, Wegovy is a semaglutide drug similar to Ozempic, which is only approved for Type 2 diabetes treatment.
Study Shows Significant Cardiovascular Risk Reduction With Wegovy
The FDA’s expanded approval of Wegovy for heart health is based on the results of a comprehensive study demonstrating its effectiveness in mitigating cardiovascular risks. In the Novo Nordisk’s SELECT trial, over 17,600 participants received either Wegovy or a placebo over five years.
The Wegovy users exhibited a 20% reduction in the risk of experiencing heart attacks, stroke and other cardiovascular issues compared to those on the placebo.
Unfortunately, the drug’s high cost of treatment and gastrointestinal intolerance pose significant barriers to widespread adoption despite its promising results. Nonetheless, researchers remain optimistic about the potential of pharmacological interventions to manage obesity and reduce cardiovascular risk.
A History of Success and Challenges
The wide use of Wegovy for heart health still faces several hurdles. Its price, exceeding $1,300 a month, and potential side effects like nausea and vomiting have sparked concerns. Serious side effects of GLP-1 drugs may also include stomach paralysis, which has led to Ozempic lawsuits against Wegovy’s sister Type 2 diabetes drug.
Wegovy’s popularity has even led to widespread supply shortages, underscoring its high demand. Novo Nordisk is increasing production to meet demand for Wegovy, but access through insurance remains a challenge. While physicians advocate for insurance coverage, Wegovy’s full acceptance may take time.
Significantly, Wegovy’s FDA approval prioritizes health over appearance and offers hope to millions struggling with obesity and heart risks. It has the potential to profoundly impact public health, promising a brighter, healthier future.
Semaglutide’s Game-Changing Approach to Health Care
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, promises transformative potential across health care. It effectively manages Type 2 diabetes and facilitates weight loss, and recent studies have highlighted its positive impacts on addiction and kidney health.
Can Semaglutide Advance Addiction Treatment?
Anecdotal reports reveal that individuals prescribed semaglutide experience reduced cravings for alcohol, tobacco and even opioids, hinting at its potential as a remedy for substance use disorders.
Preclinical studies on rodents underscore these observations, demonstrating decreased alcohol and opioid consumption upon semaglutide administration. Human trials are underway, offering cautious optimism amidst the need for further research.
Pioneering Kidney Care With Semaglutide
Novo Nordisk’s FLOW trial unveils semaglutide’s promise in mitigating kidney disease progression among individuals with Type 2 diabetes.
The study, concluded a year ahead of schedule due to efficacy results, revealed a 24% risk reduction in kidney- and cardiovascular-related deaths compared to a placebo. Researchers suggested that semaglutide’s ability to stabilize kidney function and prevent deterioration may enhance renal health in diabetic patients.