FDA says yes to Wegovy drug for losing weight to lower heart problem risk.

The Wegovy drug, which helps people lose weight, can now also be used to lower the risk of serious heart issues like heart attacks and strokes in overweight or obese patients. This approval for a new use came from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after a study showed Wegovy reduced such risks. Wegovy is the first medicine of its kind that the FDA has approved to help prevent dangerous heart conditions in these particular patients. Dr. John Sharretts from the FDA highlighted the significance of this advance for public health.

The new approval of Wegovy for heart disease patients marks a shift in treatment, with the potential to improve overall health beyond just weight loss. Dr. Martha Gulati emphasized the importance of insurers recognizing the drug as a vital treatment, not just for cosmetic weight loss, hopeful that many of her heart patients could benefit. Wegovy, a more potent version of the diabetes drug Ozempic, is expensive, costing around $1,300 a month. Its manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, is seeking similar approval in Europe.

However, Wegovy is associated with significant side effects, including the risk of thyroid tumors, cancers, and issues with organs like the pancreas and kidneys. A significant portion of the trial participants experienced serious side effects, leading some to leave the study. Despite these concerns, the expanded use for Wegovy could lead to broader insurance coverage, including potential coverage by Medicare, which currently doesn't pay for weight loss drugs alone. Experts are watching to see how private insurers will respond to the new treatment indication.

The push for wider coverage of obesity medications like Wegovy is strong among drug manufacturers and obesity advocates. They argue that the benefits of treatment, now extending to heart disease prevention, may justify the cost by reducing medical expenses related to obesity. However, a shortage of Wegovy has been ongoing for over a year, making it difficult for many to access the treatment. Novo Nordisk is working to increase production to meet the high demand.

Dr. Gulati expressed urgency in making the drug more accessible and affordable, urging producers to not be greedy and ensure availability. The article also notes that the Associated Press Health and Science Department, which published this report, is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group, yet maintains full responsibility for the content. The expanded use of Wegovy symbolizes a critical step forward in treating heart disease in overweight and obese patients, potentially improving the lives of millions by offering a therapy that addresses both weight and cardiovascular risk.