Weight Loss Drug Wegovy Reduces Heart Attack and Stroke Risk, Study Finds

Novo Nordisk's Wegovy shows benefits beyond weight loss, including reducing blood sugar levels and inflammation, key risk factors for heart disease. The company seeks to update the drug's label to include these heart benefits.

The weight loss drug Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, has been found to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes by 20% in overweight or obese patients with a history of heart disease, according to a study sponsored by Novo Nordisk.
The study involved over 17,000 people without diabetes but with a history of heart issues, who were also overweight or obese. Participants who received Wegovy lost about 9% of their body weight, compared to less than 1% in the placebo group.
The heart benefits of Wegovy were observed to emerge quickly, within a month of weekly treatment, suggesting that the drug's impact on heart health is not solely due to weight loss. The drug also led to decreases in inflammation, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, all of which can impact heart health.
Novo Nordisk has filed a request to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to update the label for Wegovy to include its heart benefits. The FDA has granted priority review of the request, and a decision is expected within six months.
Despite the promising results, the high cost of Wegovy—more than $1000 for a month’s supply—and lack of coverage by insurance companies are significant barriers to patient access. Supply constraints are also expected to continue until at least 2024 due to high demand.