Novo Nordisk Unveils National Wegovy® Campaign

Novo Nordisk has unveiled a new national campaign titled "The Power of Wegovy®" aimed at raising awareness about the clinical benefits of Wegovy® (semaglutide) 2.4 mg injection. This campaign celebrates diverse and individual success stories of those collaborating with healthcare professionals to manage obesity, emphasizing collective empowerment in addressing weight-related challenges.

Wegovy® is a prescription injectable medication designed to assist adults with obesity or overweight, particularly those with weight-related health issues, in losing and maintaining their weight. It works in combination with a calorie-reduced diet and increased physical activity. Notably, Wegovy® is FDA-approved to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events such as death, heart attack, or stroke in adults with known heart disease and obesity or overweight.

The campaign gains significance following the recent FDA label update for Wegovy®, which now includes a cardiovascular risk reduction indication for individuals with heart disease. This update also removed body mass index descriptors from its weight-management indication. Novo Nordisk is actively ensuring that access to Wegovy® aligns with these indications and broader efforts to expand obesity medication coverage.

The campaign highlights the importance of representation in healthcare, especially in combating the stigma associated with obesity. Tejal Vishalpura, Senior Vice President of Commercial Strategy and Marketing at Novo Nordisk, stresses the campaign's commitment to showcasing diverse perspectives at a crucial cultural juncture, where the connection between obesity, cardiovascular risk, and patient-centered care is increasingly prominent in public discussions.

Despite improvements in coverage for obesity medications, cost and access remain significant concerns. The Power of Wegovy® campaign encourages individuals to check their prescription insurance coverage and discuss costs with healthcare professionals. Novo Nordisk notes that over 80% of people with commercial insurance using the Wegovy® savings offer pay $25 or less per month. The company continues to monitor market dynamics to manage the high demand for Wegovy®.

Wegovy® is the sole semaglutide-containing medicine approved for weight management and is the first and only medication in this category to receive FDA approval for reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with heart disease and obesity or overweight.

Wegovy®, however, comes with potential serious side effects, including possible thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, hypoglycemia, kidney problems, allergic reactions, vision changes in people with type 2 diabetes, increased heart rate, and depression or suicidal thoughts. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, and more.

Patients are advised to disclose all medical conditions and medications to their healthcare providers before starting Wegovy®. The medication is not to be used by individuals with a history of a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or by those who are allergic to semaglutide or any of its ingredients.

Novo Nordisk, a leading global healthcare company, has a long history of developing innovative solutions for chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. The company's commitment to responsible use of its semaglutide-containing medications underscores the distinct indications, dosages, and administration schedules for each product.

In conclusion, The Power of Wegovy® campaign by Novo Nordisk seeks to empower individuals living with obesity by providing education on Wegovy®'s clinical data and encouraging collaborative weight-management efforts with healthcare professionals. The campaign also addresses the ongoing need for improved access and affordability of obesity treatments.