Novo Nordisk's weight loss drug Wegovy approved by FDA for reducing heart disease risks

From CNBC:

The FDA approved Novo Nordisk’s weight loss drug Wegovy for reducing serious cardiovascular complications in adults with obesity and heart disease. Wegovy cuts the overall risk of heart attack, stroke, and death by 20%. It is the first weight loss medication to gain expanded approval for this purpose. The drug costs around $1,000 per month before insurance.

The FDA stated that Wegovy patients should use the drug alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. Nearly 17% of trial participants stopped taking Wegovy due to gastrointestinal issues. The study showed a 28% reduction in non-fatal heart attacks and a 7% decrease in non-fatal strokes over five years. Novo Nordisk expects EU approval for Wegovy this year.

Novo Nordisk’s approval for Wegovy comes after Eli Lilly’s competing weight loss drug Zepbound was approved in the U.S. in November. While Zepbound has been shown to help people lose more weight, it has not demonstrated an effect on cardiovascular outcomes like Wegovy. Novo Nordisk is working to increase manufacturing capacity to meet demand for the drug.



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