Wegovy by Novo Nordisk close to EU approval for heart benefits

Novo Nordisk has seen significant advancements with their weight loss medication, Wegovy (semaglutide), which is gaining recognition for its cardiovascular (CV) benefits. Recently, the UK acknowledged the cardioprotective capabilities of the GLP-1 agonist. Further bolstering this recognition, a committee within the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has also shown support.

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recently issued a positive opinion regarding an update to Wegovy's label to reflect findings from the Phase III SELECT trial. This trial revealed that Wegovy could reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) by 20% compared to a placebo. These events include heart attacks, strokes, and even death. Earlier this year, the FDA approved Wegovy to mitigate the risk of MACE.

Subsequently, Novo Nordisk’s research team has delved into how Wegovy benefits heart health, beyond its weight reduction properties. At the annual American Diabetes Association (ADA) meeting last month, updated analyses from the SELECT trial were presented. These findings showed that patients who were prediabetic at the beginning of the study and received Wegovy were less likely to develop diabetes compared to those who received a placebo. Overall, the patient population treated with Wegovy had a 73% lower risk of developing diabetes and were more likely to achieve normal blood glucose levels.

These findings highlight Wegovy's potential beyond weight loss, offering hope for broader therapeutic applications. The drug's ability to significantly reduce the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events marks a promising development in the treatment of obesity-related health issues.