Novo Nordisk's Wegovy Receives UK Nod for Reducing Heart Risks

Wegovy, a weight-loss drug by Novo Nordisk, has been sanctioned approval by the UK regulator to help overweight and obese adults lower their risk of serious heart problems or strokes. The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has given its approval, just like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration did in March.

The agency stated that the MHRA's choice has made Wegovy the initial GLP-1 weight-loss medication approved for reducing cardiovascular events in individuals with obesity.

The British Heart Foundation reports that over 7.6 million individuals in the UK suffer from cardiovascular diseases, and in England, approximately one out of every six deaths related to heart and circulatory issues are linked to a high body-mass index.

"This treatment option that prevents heart disease and strokes is an important step forward in tackling the serious health consequences of obesity," Shirley Hopper, MHRA's deputy director of innovative medicines, said.

"Weight loss drugs can be key part of our arsenal to help tackle obesity and manage associated risks, but as global supply issues continue to affect these drugs, it is important that treatments are used correctly, in line with licensing, to ensure that patients with type 2 diabetes can receive the medicines they need," said Stephen Powis, NHS National Medical Director.

The approval from the agency was granted after a study demonstrated that Wegovy decreased the likelihood of major cardiovascular events, like heart attack and stroke, by 20% when compared to a placebo.