UK Drug Regulators Approve Semaglutide for Preventing Heart Attacks and Strokes in Overweight Adults Amid Rising Demand for Weight-Loss Treatments

In an exciting development, UK drug regulators have given the green light to semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, for preventing heart attacks and strokes in people who are overweight.

This decision follows a groundbreaking trial earlier this year that showed patients using these medications reduced their risk of such health issues by up to 20%.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has now recommended that these weekly injections be offered to obese and overweight adults with cardiovascular disease as a preventive measure.

The approval specifically applies to Wegovy, the weight-loss version of semaglutide, not Ozempic, which is still intended solely for diabetes management.

This move could potentially make these fat-busting injections accessible to millions more people across the UK.

Currently, Wegovy is available on the NHS only for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher and related health conditions like high blood pressure.

However, this approval doesn’t mean Wegovy will be immediately available on the NHS for its new use.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) needs to evaluate whether using Wegovy for this purpose is cost-effective before it becomes widely prescribed.

NICE is expected to release its findings next summer.

The MHRA’s decision is based on a large-scale clinical study involving over 17,000 participants.

The study found that those who received the weekly injection for up to five years saw a 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events.

Shirley Hopper, MHRA’s deputy director of innovative medicines, emphasized that this treatment represents a significant advancement in addressing obesity-related health risks.

Professor Bryan Williams from the British Heart Foundation pointed out that with nearly two-thirds of adults in England dealing with excess weight or obesity, the potential for semaglutide to improve cardiovascular health is substantial.

He stressed the need for ongoing support and proper healthcare professional training to ensure patients maintain their health improvements long-term.

How Semaglutide Works

Semaglutide works by mimicking hormones that help the body feel full, which aids in weight loss.

While weight loss itself reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes, the clinical trials also showed benefits in patients who didn’t lose weight, suggesting that the drug may improve heart health through other mechanisms, like better blood sugar control and reduced inflammation.

Side Effects and Concerns

Despite its benefits, semaglutide, like any medication, comes with potential side effects, including gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea.

Some users have also reported more unusual effects, such as hair loss.

There are growing concerns about people using the drug for cosmetic purposes, with some obtaining Wegovy through online pharmacies, which has led to shortages for those with legitimate medical needs.

The Bigger Picture

The soaring demand for semaglutide, driven in part by cosmetic use, has significantly boosted profits for Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company behind Ozempic and Wegovy.

This surge in sales has highlighted the complex balance between medical need and market demand, as countries work to manage the health and economic impacts of obesity.