The US Food and Drug Administration has made a significant decision regarding the weight-loss drug Wegovy. In a groundbreaking move, the FDA has approved the addition of cardiovascular benefits to the drug’s label, making it the first of its kind to be cleared for reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart-related death in individuals at higher risk.
This new label expansion could have far-reaching implications, potentially improving insurance coverage for Wegovy. The drug, which costs over $1,300 per month out of pocket, has been out of reach for many patients due to inadequate insurance coverage. Insurers, including Medicare, have typically not covered weight-loss medications, creating a significant barrier for those in need.
The FDA’s decision was supported by a comprehensive study involving 17,000 patients, which demonstrated a 20% lower risk of a cardiac event in individuals taking Wegovy compared to those taking a placebo. The drug is indicated for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30, or those with a BMI of at least 27 and at least one weight-related health condition.
Wegovy’s effectiveness stems from its active ingredient, semaglutide, which belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. However, the drug is currently facing a shortage along with other GLP-1 medications, as manufacturers struggle to keep up with the demand.
Novo Nordisk, the company behind Wegovy, is diligently working to increase manufacturing capacity to responsibly supply the drug. The expanded approval may help prioritize the use of Wegovy among individuals with severe obesity who also have cardiovascular disease, further emphasizing the drug’s potential to save lives and improve health outcomes.
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