Wegovy, a weight loss drug, has demonstrated significant heart health benefits, according to findings from a groundbreaking clinical trial presented at the American Heart Association conference in Philadelphia. The study, sponsored by Novo Nordisk, revealed that the medication, belonging to the GLP-1 receptor agonists drug class, reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart-related death by 20% in individuals with cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Ania Jastreboff, director of the Yale Obesity Research Center and a trial collaborator, emphasized the potential of treating obesity to improve overall health outcomes, addressing conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. However, the study left questions unanswered regarding whether the heart benefits were solely attributed to weight loss or if Wegovy had additional effects.
In an editorial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Amit Khera and Dr. Tiffany M. Powell-Wiley acknowledged the groundbreaking nature of the trial results but underscored the need for further understanding of the mechanisms behind Wegovy’s cardiovascular benefits.
The pharmaceutical landscape for obesity treatment recently expanded with the FDA approval of Zepbound, a drug from Eli Lilly, which will directly compete with Wegovy. Both drugs, along with others like Ozempic, use the same active compounds, with Wegovy’s semaglutide and Zepbound’s tirzepatide administered weekly as self-administered shots.
GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, mimic hormones that stimulate insulin production, induce feelings of fullness, and reduce appetite. The Wegovy trial, involving 17,604 participants with cardiovascular disease and a body mass index of 27 or higher, revealed that after two years, those using the drug experienced reduced risk of diabetes, significant weight loss, decreased waist circumference, and improvements in blood pressure, C-reactive protein, and triglyceride levels.
Dr. Steven Nissen of the Cleveland Clinic, not involved in the trial but leading a similar one for tirzepatide, highlighted the positive effects of weight loss on various health indicators. The trial demonstrated a 20% reduction in cardiovascular events, even when combined with standard care medications like statins.
However, concerns were raised about potential safety issues, with more Wegovy users experiencing adverse events such as gastrointestinal disorders compared to the placebo group. The study also revealed racial and gender imbalances among participants, raising the importance of broader research representation.
Despite the unanswered questions and safety considerations, the groundbreaking findings are expected to increase demand for Wegovy, which is already in short supply. However, the drug’s high cost—$1,349 per month before insurance—may limit accessibility for many individuals. The results prompt a reevaluation of the growing options for treating obesity and cardiometabolic risk, ushering in a new era of pharmaceutical interventions in this domain.
