FDA Approves Wegovy for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Obese Adults

The drug's label expansion follows a trial showing a 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events, potentially increasing insurance coverage despite its high cost.

• The FDA has approved Wegovy, a popular weight loss drug, for reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in adults with cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight.
• Wegovy's approval for heart health benefits is based on the SELECT trial, which demonstrated a 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events compared to a placebo.
• The expanded label could lead to increased insurance coverage for Wegovy, despite its high cost of $1,300 a month before any discounts.
• Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and nearly 70% of adults are medically overweight or obese, highlighting the significance of this approval.
• Wegovy is the first weight loss medication also approved to help prevent life-threatening cardiovascular events, marking a milestone in treatment options for obesity and cardiovascular disease.

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