Wegovy, a popular weight loss drug, has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for a new use that could have significant implications for individuals with heart disease. The drug is now approved for reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular-related death in adults who are overweight or obese and have heart disease.
This new indication is expected to increase access to Wegovy for more patients and may even expand insurance coverage for the medication. The maker of Wegovy, Novo Nordisk, has also filed for an expanded label in the European Union, potentially reaching even more individuals in need of this treatment.
The F.D.A. approval was based on a study of over 17,000 adults aged 45 and older, in which participants were given Wegovy shots or a placebo and monitored for several years. The results showed that those receiving Wegovy had a significantly lower risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular-related death compared to those who received the placebo.
While the exact reason for these positive outcomes is not entirely clear, the data suggests that taking obesity seriously in individuals with a high burden of disease can lead to significant improvements in health outcomes. Dr. Melanie Jay, director of the N.Y.U. Langone Comprehensive Program on Obesity, emphasized that the study results highlight the potential benefits of treating obesity in individuals with existing heart disease.
Overall, the approval of Wegovy for this new indication offers hope for individuals struggling with obesity and heart disease. It underscores the importance of addressing obesity as a serious medical condition and the potential for significant health improvements with the right treatment.
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