health
Novo's Wegovy cleared by UK drug price watchdog for heart disease, expanding access by 1.2 million people
The new recommendation will significantly expand access to Wegovy on England's NHS.
TL;DR
- Novo Nordisk's Wegovy has received a recommendation from England's drug price watchdog, NICE, for preventing heart attacks and strokes.
- This marks the first GLP-1 drug to be backed for cardiovascular risk reduction in the UK.
- The recommendation could expand access to Wegovy on the NHS to approximately 1.2 million people.
- Wegovy, containing semaglutide, is approved for adults with a previous heart attack, stroke, or serious circulation problem and a BMI of at least 27.
- Clinical trials demonstrated a 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events for patients taking Wegovy alongside existing cardiovascular medicines.
- This decision expands Wegovy's use beyond its primary indication for weight loss and weight management.