Health authorities in the United Kingdom have authorized the use of the weight-loss injection Wegovy (semaglutide) to prevent heart attacks and strokes in overweight individuals. This marks a significant development in the management of cardiovascular health for those at increased risk due to weight issues.
New Approval for Semaglutide
Previously approved for weight management in obese individuals, semaglutide has now received approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for a new purpose. The drug can now be prescribed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in people who are overweight or obese, specifically those with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher and diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.
Clinical Evidence and Potential Impact
Semaglutide, marketed as Wegovy, works by making users feel fuller and less hungry. It is administered via a weekly injection and is intended to be used alongside diet, exercise, and behavioral support for effective weight management. A recent clinical trial involving 17,600 participants demonstrated that Wegovy significantly lowers the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, by 20%.
Participants in the trial were given either Wegovy or a placebo. Those receiving Wegovy showed a substantial reduction in the risk of adverse cardiovascular events, highlighting the drug’s potential in preventive cardiology.
Regulatory and Healthcare Perspectives
MHRA’s deputy director of innovative medicines, Shirley Hopper, emphasized the rigorous safety, quality, and effectiveness standards met by Wegovy. She remarked, “This treatment option that prevents heart disease and strokes is an important step forward in tackling the serious health consequences of obesity. As with all medicines, we will keep its safety under close review.”
The approval by MHRA is a preliminary step before the drug’s widespread use within the NHS, pending further appraisal by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice).
Expert Opinions
Prof Bryan Williams, chief scientific and medical officer at the British Heart Foundation, highlighted the need for comprehensive support for patients using the drug. “It is important that people using the drug to lose weight and improve their health are given the support they need from healthcare professionals to maintain these improvements long into the future,” Williams said. He underscored the necessity of appropriate training and healthcare policies to sustain these health benefits.
Prof Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director for NHS England, acknowledged the potential of weight-loss drugs in combating obesity and related health risks. However, he noted the importance of correct usage amid global supply issues to ensure that patients with type 2 diabetes can access necessary treatments.
Conclusion
The MHRA’s approval of Wegovy as a preventive treatment for cardiovascular events in overweight individuals represents a promising advancement in public health. As the drug moves towards broader NHS implementation, it holds the potential to significantly reduce the incidence of heart attacks and strokes, contributing to improved health outcomes for many.
